Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says that his country has always endorsed the promotion of peace and stability in Iraq.

In a Tuesday meeting with Iraq's visiting Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Mohammad Hajj Hamoud, Mottaki said his country believes in the sovereignty of Iraq's central government.

The Iranian official underlined that Tehran and Baghdad's flourishing relations would serve the best interests of the entire region.

He anticipated Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's landmark visit to Iraq would open a new chapter in Tehran and Baghdad's bilateral relations.

Hajj Hamoud, for his part, termed his meetings in Tehran as constructive and hoped Ahmadinejad's upcoming visit would pave the way for further productive discussions.

SBB/RA