TEHRAN - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has said it is extremely important for Iraq to immediately establish a government.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maleki in Tehran on Monday.
“The immediate formation of a government and the complete establishment of security are important issues” for Iraq, since the reconstruction of Iraq will not be possible if these two goals are not achieved, he observed.
All conscientious officials and political figures in Iraq should focus their attention on attempting to achieve these goals, the Leader noted.
He went on to say that Iraq’s security situation is improving, although there is still insecurity, despite the relative stability recently.
The foreign countries in Iraq are benefiting from insecurity because it serves their political interests, he stated.
Ayatollah Khamenei also expressed hope that Iraqis would be able to rid themselves of the United States so that their problems can be resolved.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader said Iraq is a rich country with a long history so it is not fair that Iraqi people, with such a historical record, should be experiencing the current problems.
Al-Maleki thanked Iran for its support of Iraq in hard times, adding that the strategic relationship with Iran is much more important for Baghdad than its relations with other countries.
The Iraqi prime minister also held separate talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi on Monday.
In his meeting with Ahmadinejad, al-Maleki said Iraq is interested in expanding ties with Iran in all areas.
Iraq’s first mission is to develop constructive relations with neighboring countries and to revise the method of interaction of the corrupt previous regime, he stated.
The Iraqi government wants to show the real image of Iraqis to neighboring countries, he added.
Ahmadinejad said regional countries should cooperate in order to take control of the management of their own affairs and regional affairs and to become self-sufficient.
He also expressed hope that all Iraqi political groups would begin to cooperate to rebuild their country and elevate the standard of living for the people.
Iran will support a united, independent and strong Iraq, which will serve its people, he stated.
In his meeting with Rahimi, the Iraqi prime minister thanked Iran for supporting efforts to increase security and establish national unity in Iraq.
He also called on Iran to play a greater role in the reconstruction of Iraq.
Rahimi said Iran will not spare any effort in helping the process of reconstruction in Iraq, and Iran regards Iraq’s security and development as its own security and development.
Tehran is ready to expand relations with Baghdad in various areas, including the oil, gas, and trade sectors, he added.