By Dr. Yasser Abdul-Zahra Al-Hajjaj
Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Islamic Republic of Iran
When I assume my duties as Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Islamic Republic of Iran, I am deeply honored to represent my country in a nation with which we share deep historical and geographical ties, underpinned by enduring human, cultural, and religious bonds.
This moment offers a fitting opportunity to reaffirm Iraq’s strategic vision for its regional relations—first and foremost with Iran—as a partnership grounded in good-neighborliness, mutual respect, and shared interests.
Experience has shown that regional stability cannot be achieved except through cooperation, dialogue, and trust-building among its nations, with economic development serving as the most durable foundation for securing lasting peace and stability. Viewed through this lens, Iraq regards its regional environment as both a strategic depth and a pivotal partner in shaping a more prosperous future for the peoples of the region.
Over recent years, Iraqi–Iranian relations have advanced significantly across the political, economic, cultural, and social spheres, drawing strength from a rich historical legacy and deep popular bonds. Today, this relationship holds extraordinary promise for entering a more sophisticated era—one anchored in expanding economic partnerships, spurring investment, boosting trade, and advancing energy and transport connectivity projects to advance the mutual interests of both nations.
At the same time, Iraq continues to pursue a balanced foreign policy anchored in its national principles. This approach is built on constructive engagement with all parties, a strict refusal to align with regional axes, and a commitment to bridging divides among brothers and allies—driven by the firm conviction that dialogue remains the sole viable path to resolving conflicts, and that regional cooperation is the true guarantor of peace and stability.
To this end, Iraq draws upon a rich reservoir of soft power, rooted in its profound civilizational legacy, historical alliances, and deep-seated social, cultural, and spiritual ties with its neighbors. This uniquely positions Iraq to serve a positive role in fostering stability and driving regional consensus.
Given Iran's paramount political, economic, and social significance, our relationship with the Islamic Republic stands at the forefront of these diplomatic priorities. Accordingly, my mandate in Tehran is clear: to advance our bilateral ties guided by a coherent Iraqi vision—one grounded in mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and the expansion of practical cooperation to serve the shared interests of both friendly nations.
Reflecting this momentum, the upcoming visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani to Tehran carries particular significance. It underscores Iraq’s commitment to advancing bilateral ties, expanding the horizons of partnership, and deepening coordination on issues of shared concern, while reaffirming Iraq's steadfast pursuit of dialogue, engagement, and trust-building.
In recent years, Iraq has successfully projected a stronger regional and international presence by consolidating its state institutions, adopting a balanced foreign policy, and leveraging its diplomatic networks to drive development and stability. These efforts have solidified Iraq's standing as a trusted partner and a capable bridge-builder across the region's diverse actors.
Moreover, the strength of Iraqi–Iranian relations extends far beyond formal diplomatic channels; it is deeply rooted in the bond between the two peoples, sustained by a shared civilizational legacy of enduring human, cultural, and spiritual values. These ties have manifested clearly in mutual expressions of solidarity during pivotal moments—most notably in the widespread turnout of the Iraqi public during the funeral ceremonies held in Iraq for the late martyr Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei. That participation reflected a deep sense of reverence, respect, and popular connection between the two nations.
Similarly, the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage stands as one of the most powerful expressions of this closeness, embodying fraternity, solidarity, and cultural harmony. It underscores that Iraq–Iran relations are not merely built on shared material interests, but rest upon a solid social and cultural foundation that accords them unique depth and longevity.
Ultimately, the future of Iraqi–Iranian relations must be built on leveraging the inherent strengths that unite both nations—expanding economic and cultural cooperation and deepening political dialogue to serve the interests of both peoples while consolidating regional security and stability. This is the core message I carry as I take on the honor of representing the Republic of Iraq in Tehran: a conviction that good-neighborliness is not merely a principle of foreign policy, but a strategic choice to build a more stable and prosperous future for the entire region.