Iran President's visit to Iraq puzzles out knots: Zarif

Qom, March 18, IRNA – President Hassan Rouhani's visit to Iraq solved many age-old problems, said Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif in Qom on Monday. 'Dredging the Arvand Rud River, construction of Shalamcheh-Basra railway, and granting mutual no-fee visas were among the long-term issues that were dealt with during President Rouhani's visit to Iraq,' said Zarif who is in Qom to meet with the religious authorities. Zarif said, 'Dredging the Arvand Rud River was pending for 31 years and was dealt with during this visit.' President Rouhani made a three-day visit to Iraq on March 13-16 and met Iraqi high-ranking officials, including President Barham Salih, and also senior cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Regarding the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which is a serious issue being discussed in Tehran, he said, 'The two conventions are being discussed in the Expediency Council, which will definitely make a decision on the issue according to the country's interests.' Zarif is in Qom to meet with some of the religious authorities and also attend the provincial administrative council in the city. Follow us ion Twitter @IrnaEnglish