FM Zarif hails his talks in Iraqi Kurdistan

Tehran, Jan 16, IRNA - Iranian foreign minister who visited Iraqi Kurdistan on Tuesday in a message welcomed the inclusive negotiations he had with Iraqi Kurdish leaders in Sulaymaniya. 'Good to be back in Sulaymaniya to participate in a joint business forum. Extensive, friendly conversations with Deputy KRG PM @qubadjt. Hosted delightful dinner with leaders of almost all Kurdish parties. Rare opportunity for inclusive dialog,' Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted early on Wednesday. Meanwhile, he 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 said in a separate message. Earlier on Tuesday , Iranian foreign minister underlined preserving Iraq's national unity and sovereignty. He added that Iran attaches importance to national unity and sovereignty of Iraq. 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, including Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, President Barham Salih and Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohamed al-Halbousi. 9376**1771 Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish