Zarif hails late Iraqi president as close friend

Tehran, Jan 16, IRNA - Iranian foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message hailed the role of late Iraqi President Jalal Talebani saying he was a close friend. 'While in Sulaymaniya, also paid tribute to late President of #Iraq Jalal Talabani—not merely a close, personal friend, but also an admirable, patriotic statesman who played vital role in promoting Iraq's territorial integrity & regional relations. He is surely missed on both sides,' Zarif tweeted on Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday , Iranian foreign minister underlined preserving Iraq's national unity and sovereignty. Iran attaches importance to national unity and sovereignty of Iraq, Zarif said. On Wednesday, Iranian foreign Minister is scheduled to be in Karbala to attend the two countries' business meeting. Zarif who arrived in Baghdad on January 13 has so far met some Iraqi officials, namely Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, President Barham Salih and Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohamed al-Halbousi. 9376**2050 Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish