Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visited Baghdad and discussed bilateral relations, “including the political, economic and security cooperation”, with senior Iraqi officials. Prime Minister al-Kadhimi stressed cooperation “to support the security and stability of the region” and told Zarif that “Iraq seeks to affirm its balanced and positive role in the making of peace and progress in the region”. President Barham underscored that “Iraq attaches particular importance to safeguard its sovereignty, its security and its stability, and it looks forward to further cooperation with the allied and friendly states on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs”. Zarif also traveled to Erbil. Discussing the trip the following day, Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson stressed that “Iran believes in negotiation with the regional countries without foreign interventions… The only way to establish stability and security and even to develop the economy is regional cooperation and synergy”.