TEHRAN, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki arrived in Iran Wednesday for talks with leaders on improving Iraqi security and securing the countries' joint border.
It was the second visit to Tehran for Maliki since he took office and was scheduled to last three days, the state run IRNA news agency reported.
Maliki was met by Vice President Parviz Davoudi and taken by motorcade to the presidential palace.
Speaking to the BBC, Iraq Ambassador to Tehran Mohammad Majeed al-Sheikh said securing the border against insurgent travel and arms smuggling is a major concern.
"We have a common border with Iran, nearly 875 miles, which is the longest border we have with a neighboring country," Sheikh said. "We don't think we're able, or rather we don't have the capabilities, to control the border."
Maliki was also scheduled to meet with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other senior government officials, IRNA said.
