Khorramshahr, Khuzestan Prov, Sept 28, IRNA-Iraqi Ambassaor to Tehran Mohammad Sheikh on Wednesday called for expansion of current ties with Iran. Talking to IRNA in an exclusive interview, Sheikh said Iran and Iraq enjoy common grounds for cooperation in most fields and expressed confidence the two Muslim nations would benefit from a promotion of relations.

Improvement of ties between the two countries would play a decisive role in regional stability and security, he said, adding that Iraq is determined to boost ties with Iran.

He said the setting up of an Iraqi consulate in Khorramshahr was a step toward expansion of bilateral ties and expressed hope friendly ties would be further promoted.

Shifting to the current situation in Iraq and lack of security for investment and trade in the country, the ambassador said the security situation is improving in Iraq and that southern Iraqi cities enjoy a 90 percent security.

He praised the usual, positive cooperation of Iranian officials once more displayed in the establishment of the Iraqi consulate in the Iranian city of Khorramshahr.

The Iraqi ambassador has visited the city to inspect its infrastructure.