TEHRAN – Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has congratulated the new Iraqi prime minister on winning the vote of confidence, saying the Iranian parliament is ready to contribute to closer ties between the two countries.

In a message on Friday, Larijani expressed confidence that the political, economic, cultural and parliamentary bonds between Tehran and Baghdad would grow during Abdul Mahdi’s term, Mehr reported.

Abdul Mahdi, 76, was sworn in on Wednesday, but could not announce the full cabinet after the Iraqi lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on key postings, including the ministers of interior and defense.

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