Iran hails Iraqi security gains

TEHRAN, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Thursday the security situation in Iraq had improved significantly.

Saeed Jalili made his comments during a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, who was in Tehran with a delegation of top officials from Baghdad.

The secretary said the historic and cultural ties between the two countries paved the way for improved relations as Iraqi reconstruction gains momentum. He noted relations between Iran and Iraq have never been closer, the Islamic Republic News Agency said.

For his part, Salih expressed his interest in improving bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Iranian and Iraqi trade officials met separately to discuss free trade and improved transportation between the two countries.

"The ground is well prepared for Iranian companies to make investment in Iraq," said Iraqi Trade Minister Abd al-Falah al-Sudani.

The meeting in Tehran comes as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is in Turkey discussing energy issues.