Maliki moves to develop Iran relations

TEHRAN, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he has established a committee to develop the country's relations with Iran.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran Monday after wrapping up meetings with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other officials, Maliki said his visit to Tehran has resulted of the formation of a supreme joint committee for bilateral relations development, Iraqi broadcaster Al Sumaria reported.

Maliki said an agreement was reached to form a reconstruction services company with Iran that would come into play after Iraq has gained more stability.

The prime minister said Iraq will also cooperate with other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, Syria and Turkey, in bids to accelerate Iraq's redevelopment. Maliki also told Iranian State Television that his government would not allow the use of Iraqi territory as a threat against its neighbors.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Maliki that the "treacherous" United States habitually breaks pacts such as the Status of Forces Agreement signed with Iraq, which calls for all U.S. troops to exit the country by 2011, Al Sumaria said.