Iran is encouraging its "friends" in Iraq to show more of a partnership in running the affairs of their country, Mohammad Omrani, an Iranian deputy foreign minister told the Fars News Agency.

In addition to offering training to Iraqi officials, Iran has formed a commission to help Iraq deal with its economic problems, he said.

"Tehran is striving to supply Iraq's energy needs," Omrani said. "And as far as Iraqi people's health and hygiene is concerned, we have adopted some measures to build some hospitals in that country."