Iranian minister of youth visits Iraq tomorrow

He is scheduled to meet his Iraqi counterpart Jasim Mohammed Jaafar on Wednesday morning. His visit will last till January 28.

The aim of the visit is to develop bilateral relations in the fields of youth and sports.

It is reported to be the first visit for an Iranian minister following the formation of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs in Iran.

Previous MOUs shall be studied and put a new one between the two countries.

The MOUs shall include the exchange of visits, information and holding joint youth weeks.

The delegation shall be acquainted with youth projects in Baghdad and other provinces.

Iraqi sources reported that during this visit, the cornerstone of Al-Zawra' stadium, which shall be constructed by an Iranian company, shall be laid down.

Iran has an embassy in Baghdad and three consulate generals in Sulaimaniya, Arbil and Najaf.

Iran–Iraq relations have improved since the fall of Iraq's former dictator Saddam in 2003. Since January 2010, the two countries have signed over 100 economic and cooperation agreements.

Iran–Iraq relations have been heating up since 2006 by the exchange of high level visits. Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki makes frequent visits to Iran along with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani who has visited the country several times to help boost bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Iraq and Iran have developed extensive economic ties since 2003. In 2010, trade between the two states had increased tenfold since 2003 and was expected to surpass 8 dlrs billion by the end of the year. Iran has also headed numerous reconstruction projects in Iraq. Economic cooperation between Iran and Iraq continues to increase, and in 2011, Iraq, Iran and Syria signed a 10 dlrs billion natural gas deal in which the three states agreed to construct a pipeline originating in southern Iran and extending to Syria; Iranian officials indicated that the pipeline would eventually extend to the Mediterranean through Lebanon.

Iraqi officials have expressed support for Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program.

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