Iraq's new president Barham Saleh visits Iran

Iraq's new President Barham Saleh on Saturday, made his first official visit to neighbouring Iran, calling for "a new order in the region". 

Saleh met his counterpart Hassan Rouhani to discuss trade, transport links and efforts to tackle dust pollution that plagues areas on both sides of the border.

It is now time for a new order in the region that would meet the interests of all countries in it, Saleh told a Tehran news conference, according to a translation provided by Iran's state broadcaster.

We believe Iran has an important role to play in this new order, he added.

Saleh, a 58-year-old moderate Kurd, was elected last month to the largely ceremonial role of president.

Rouhani said the two countries aimed to boost trade from $12 billion to $20 billion.

Iran has been highly influential in Iraq since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003, and was a key partner in pushing back the Islamic State group in recent years.
 
Daily Mail