Ahmadinejad ends historic trip to Iraq

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-04-2008 13:37

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has returned to Iran following his historic trip to Iraq.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, and his Iraqi counterpart Jalal, Talabani, right, sit as their ministers sign bilateral agreements in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, March 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

He became the first president from his country to visit Baghdad since the two neighbors fought an extended war more than twenty years ago.

Please takes a look back at Ahmadinejad's two-day visit in a country was once seen as Iran's enemy.

President Ahmadinejad was warmly greeted by Iraqi officials, both at the start and end of his trip.

The displays of friendliness are the first since the two neighbors fought a bitter eight-year war in the 1980s.

During his two-day stay, the Iranian President urged regional unity. He warned foreigners to stay away and called their presence in the region an insult. This was especially a swipe at the United States.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, said, "The countries that are far from us should allow the countries within the region to operate themselves."

Over the past two days, Iran and Iraq signed seven agreements to cooperate on customs, transportation, and industrial development. (CCTV.com)

Over the past two days, Iran and Iraq signed seven agreements to cooperate on customs, transportation, and industrial development.

The agreements highlight the new, closer relations between the former arch-foes.

Ahmadinejad described his trip as a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations, and he voiced his support for a developed, powerful and united Iraq.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, said, "The enemies fear the cooperation, coordination and unity between the two governments and the two nations of Iraq and Iran."

Analysts say Iraq is unlikely to make a drastic policy shift in favor of Iran, though the leaders of the two countries are already downplaying the long-standing border dispute.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei