Bahrakan is not only an important tourist attraction, but also a major hub for fishing the pink shrimp and other high quality shrimp of Persian Gulf.
Last year, more than 14,000 tonnes of aquatic species were caught in this city, of which 500 tonnes were allocated for exports.
What follows are YJC’s photos of Bahrakan fishing area in the south of Hendijan city:
Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian said on Tuesday that his organization and the Ministry of Electricity of Iraq have finalized two cooperation contracts on the improvement and promotion of the electricity industry in Iraq.
Ardakanian noted that the contracts have been discussed in a Tuesday meeting with Iraq’s Electricity Minister Majid Mahdi Hantoush, held in Tehran on the sidelines of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s visit to the Islamic Republic and a meeting of high-ranking Iranian and Iraqi delegations.
According to the Iranian Energy Minister, the two sides have agreed to finalize and sign the contracts, one of which would entail plans to reduce electricity losses in distribution networks in Iraq’s governorates of Karbala and Najaf.
The second one is a contract to make repairs to electricity distribution transformers in Iraq, he added.
In remarks at a meeting of high-ranking Iranian and Iraqi delegations, held in Tehran on Tuesday, Jahangiri pointed to a target that the two countries have set to raise the value of annual trade exchanges to $20 billion, saying, “In order to achieve that target, the Joint Economic Commission of Iran and Iraq is prepared to draft the comprehensive document on economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.”
The vice president also stressed the need to support and provide impetus for the Joint Economic Commission and the Iran-Iraq High Joint Commission, saying the activities of those commissions would greatly help settle the problems and remove the trade obstacles.
Hailing the formation of Iraq’s new government in light of interaction and constructive dialogue among various Iraqi political groups, the Iranian vice president said the Islamic Republic has always attached importance to stability and security in Iraq.
Iran would welcome the restoration of Iraq’s role in the region, Jahangiri noted, adding, “Tehran supports the strengthening of Iraq’s regional role and expansion of its interaction with the countries.”
The bulk of problems that have gripped the regional countries are caused by the outsiders, he deplored, calling for concerted efforts to overcome the challenges that have been aggravated by the outbreak of coronavirus and a decline in the oil prices.
The vice president also pointed to the American assassination of top Iranian commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani, saying Tehran expects Baghdad to seriously pursue the case of martyrdom of the general, who had gone to Iraq as a guest of the Baghdad government.
Highlighting the ample opportunities for cooperation between Iran and Iraq, Jahangiri said, “Fortunately, the cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad has made an acceptable progress in various sectors, as in the oil, gas and electricity (industries), and has been carried out to a great extent, but there are still multiple other grounds for the promotion of bilateral economic relations.”
Strong banking and financial ties are requisite for the enhancement of economic relations, he noted, calling for plans to accelerate the implementation of banking agreements.
He further pointed to a temporary shutdown of border trade following the outbreak of coronavirus, saying the borders have reopened. “It is necessary for the two countries to observe the health protocols strictly, so that the Iranian and Iraqi merchants could work confidently and in safe conditions.”
The vice president then highlighted the active role of the Iranian private companies in the reconstruction of Iraq’s infrastructures and offering technical and engineering services, urging Baghdad to resolve the problems of the Iranian contractors and companies and settle the debts.
Jahangiri finally reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi government and nation in hard times, in the same way that it assisted the Arab country in the fight against ISIS terrorist group.
For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who was chairing the Iraqi delegation, said Baghdad is willing to establish broad relations with Tehran considering their historical, cultural and religious commonalities.
“The common history and values have caused Iran and Iraq to have common interests, and such factors remind us that the two countries should develop major economic partnership,” the Iraqi premier said.
Al-Kadhimi also praised Iran as the first country that rushed to help Iraq in the war against terrorism and Takfiri groups, stressing that the government and nation of Iraq will never forget such Iranian support.
“That’s why Iraq stood by the Islamic Republic of Iran and helped it overcome the economic crises and challenges,” the visiting prime minister added.
He finally pointed to the difficult economic conditions that Iraq is facing, voiced his country’s readiness to hold meetings of the Joint Economic Commission and the High Joint Commission, and added, “I hope we would be able to overcome all problems in cooperation with each other.”
Heading a ranking political and economic delegation, Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday before travelling to Saudi Arabia and the US.
Kadhimi has held separate meetings with Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, held in Tehran on Tuesday, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran attaches great significance to the protection of territorial integrity and security in Iraq, which he described as a major and strategic neighbour.
“The foreign forces will not be able to cause any harm and disruption to the brotherly relations between the two old neighbours,” the president underlined.
He further noted that the bonds between Iran and Iraq are beyond two ordinary neighbours, saying the establishment and national security in the two states are interconnected.
President Rouhani then noted that election of Mustafa al-Kadhimi as the prime minister of Iraq in the current special and tough conditions was a testimony to the trust that all Iraqi political groups have placed in him and to the deep unity and fraternity within the Iraqi society.
The importance that Iran and Iraq attach to the fate of each other is a great asset in the path to the promotion of relations and cooperation between the two Muslim neighbours, the president said.
He also expressed confidence that Iran and Iraq can weather the sever conditions in the wake of outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic with mutual cooperation.
The president further called for the immediate implementation of the agreements the two countries have signed in the past.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran would firmly support the decisive role that Iraq plays as a powerful Muslim and Arab country in the region to ensure peace and stability,” he concluded.
The visiting Iraqi premier, for his part, said Baghdad and Tehran have strategic relations, noting that the deep affection that people of the two countries have for each other is a solid backing for the strategic ties.
In the meeting, the Iranian president and the Iraqi prime minister agreed on the formation of a joint committee to pursue and expedite the implementation of the bilateral agreements.
In a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Tehran on Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never forget the American assassination of General Soleimani in Iraq and “it will definitely deal the reciprocal blow to Americans.”
Referring to the assassination of General Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as an example of result of American presence in Iraq, the Leader told al-Kadhimi, “They (Americans) killed your guest at your home and brazenly admitted to such crime, while this is not an issue of little importance.”
“Iran certainly opposes anything that would weaken the Iraqi government,” Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized, adding, “However, the Americans’ view about Iraq is totally contrary to ours, because the US is an enemy in the true sense of the word, and does not favor an independent and strong Iraq with a government elected by majority vote.”
“For the Americans, it is not important who the prime minister of Iraq is. They are after a government similar to the government of Paul Bremer, the American governor of Iraq shortly after the fall of Saddam,” Ayatollah Khamenei warned.
“Iran would not interfere in Iraq’s relations with the US, but expects the Iraqi friends to realize the US and be mindful that the US presence in every country is the source of corruption, destruction and devastation,” the Leader underscored.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran expects that the decision made by the Iraqi government, nation and Parliament about the eviction of Americans would be pursued, because their (American) presence causes insecurity,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.
The Leader then noted that the relations between Iran and Iraq are literally brotherly in light of the abundant historical, religious, cultural and traditional commonalities, adding, “What is greatly important to the Islamic Republic of Iran in the bilateral relations is the interests, expediencies, security, dignity, regional might, and improvement of situation in Iraq.”
Ayatollah Khamenei made it clear that Iran will never interfere in Iraq’s domestic affairs, stressing, “Iran favors a dignified and independent Iraq with its territorial integrity, unity and domestic solidarity being protected.”
The Leader also praised the consensus among the Iraqi political groups and currents about the election of Prime Minister al-Kadhimi’s government, saying, “The Americans and their proxies always seek power vacuum in the regional countries in order to foment chaos and pave the way for their interference, the same job they did in Yemen, as everybody is now witnessing the deplorable situation in Yemen.”
Highlighting Tehran’s support for al-Kadhimi’s government, the Leader said wisdom, religion and experience dictate that Iran and Iraq must broaden ties in all fields.
“However, the expansion of relations between Iran and Iraq has opponents, above all the US, but one should not be afraid of the US by any means, because it cannot do a damn thing,” the Leader emphasized.
While the US is attempting to create problems, the Iraqi government should vigorously make headway regardless of such disturbance and preserve the popular support, Ayatollah Khamenei added.
The Leader finally lauded Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani as a great asset to Iraq, saying another major asset is the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) which must be maintained.
For his part, the visiting Iraqi premier described the meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei as a great opportunity, and expressed gratitude to Iran for its supports for Iraq in the fight against ISIS and Takfiri terrorists.
“People of Iraq will never forget Iran’s supports, and the fact is that the bloods of Iraqis and Iranians have mixed together in the war against Takfiris.”
Al-Kadhimi also lauded the guidelines and advices given by Ayatollah Khamenei as a key to the problems.
Heading a ranking political and economic delegation, the Iraqi prime minister arrived in Tehran on Tuesday before travelling to the US.
Speaking at a joint press conference after a meeting in Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Iraq’s visiting Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said the two countries are determined to increase the value of bilateral trade exchanges to $20 billion by promoting economic cooperation.
Describing the Iraqi premier’s visit to Iran as a milestone in the expansion of relations between the two “friendly and brotherly” nations, President Rouhani said the trade ties between Tehran and Baghdad have improved during the few months after Prime Minister al-Kadhimi has taken office.
The president then noted that the negotiations with the Iraqi premier have also revolved around the coronavirus pandemic and the health conditions across the region, assuring the Iraqi government and nation that Iran will support the Iraqi people with all power and capabilities by providing the medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has the needed capability and facilities to supply Iraq’s health and pharmaceutical demands,” President Rouhani said.
The president further unveiled plans to carry out the agreements that the two countries had signed during his visit to Baghdad back in March 2019, including the railroad project connecting Iran’s Shalamcheh to Iraq’s Basra an the plan to dredge the Arvand Rud.
President Rouhani then reaffirmed Iran’s commitments to supporting the Iraqi nation, government and Army in the fight against ISIS terrorists and contributing to stability and security in Iraq and the region.
Paying tribute to top Iranian commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis as “two heroes of the fight against terrorism”, the president said they made great efforts to ensure security in Iraq.
President Rouhani finally noted that he and Prime Minister al-Kadhimi have talked about the regional security and stability as well as the role of Iraq in the region as a powerful Arab country.
For his part, the Iraqi premier said he has visited Iran to strengthen the historical, cultural, and religious bonds with its neighbor.
He also stressed the need for closer cooperation and coordination between Iraq and Iran amid the current delicate situation, as the two countries are faced with the coronavirus-related challenges and a decline in the oil prices.
“Iraq is willing for and favors premium relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran on the basis of non-interference in the internal affairs of the two countries,” al-Kadhimi added.
He also praised Iran as one of the first countries that assisted the Iraqi nation in the war against terrorism and Takfiri groups, saying Iraq is also standing by Iran to help it overcome the economic challenges.
“Iraq’s relations with Iran and the other countries are based upon goodwill, and we try to find ways for the region to rise to the existing challenges through such cooperation,” he noted.
The prime minister then made it clear that Iraq will never allow its soil to be used for any threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing that defending Iran is one of Iraq’s priorities.
“In Iraq, we seek stability, and our view and philosophy regarding Iran is that it is a stable, powerful and developing country, which we believe would benefit Iraq and the region,” al-Kadhimi stated.
The prime minister finally expressed gratitude to Iran for supporting the Iraqi nation in the battle with the coronavirus pandemic.
Heading a ranking political and economic delegation, the Iraqi prime minister arrived in Tehran on Tuesday before travelling to the US.
Abrar Newspaper:
1- Zarif: Strong Ties with All Iraqis Cornerstone of Iran’s Politics
Aftab-e Yazd Newspaper:
1- Consequences of Forex Rate Fluctuations in Iran
* Decreased Exports, Increased Costs of Imports
Arman-e Melli Newspaper:
1- Raisi: Rioting Is Judiciary’s Red Line
2- Trump Playing in Extra Time
Ebtekar Newspaper:
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2- Oil Minister: No Foreign Company Signs Deal with Iran
3- Data Extraction from Ukrainian Plane’s Black Box Kicked Off in Paris
Etemad Newspaper:
1- Decoding the Mysterious Flight Begins
2- What Was Missed amid Fuss Made about Iran-China Deal
* A Look at Incorrect Assumptions
3- Iran’s Former Envoy to Beijing: What’s Wrong with China? Just Think Its Name Is US
Ettela’at Newspaper:
1- Increased COVID-19 Infection among Iranian Children
Iran Newspaper:
1- Oil Minister: I’ll Continue Negotiations Because of National Interests
2- Rouhani’s Chief of Staff: Even US Allies Sick and Tired of Its Addiction to Sanctions
3- Iran-Iraq Ties Successful Model for Regional Relations
Jame Jam:
1- Hardworking Editor-in-Chief of Jame Jam Dies of Coronavirus
Javan Newspaper:
1- Cyber-Revenge from Zionist Regime
Kayhan Newspaper:
1- US Dollar Rate Down by IRR 34,000; Gold Coin Price Also Down by IRR 8 Million
2- Iran-Iraq Alliance, Cornerstone for Future of Region
3- IRGC Chief Unveils Laser-Guided Missile System
Mardom Salari Newspaper:
1- Biden Getting More Popular at Time of Trump’s Decline
2- Baghdad Looking for Tehran-Riyadh Interaction
Shargh Newspaper:
1- Judiciary Chief: Protests Must Be Heard and Dealt with Logically
2- Iran-China Deal: From What Position?
Asked by reporters upon his arrival in Moscow on Tuesday about any plans to extend a cooperation agreement with Russia as March 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary of the deal between the two countries, Foreign Minister Zarif said, “Extension of the contract is on our agenda.”
“If the Russian friends are ready for another long-term contract, it could be discussed,” he noted.
“But the extension of the contract (with Russia) is definitely on our agenda,” Zarif added.
The top Iranian diplomat also said he has visited Moscow following the recent talks between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
“The relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation are strategic,” he stressed, noting, “In the current circumstances when major developments are taking place at the international level, it is necessary to hold such negotiations constantly between us and the Russian government, and also the other friends of ours, like the Chinese government.”
Foreign Minister Zarif finally noted that his trip would include talks on Tehran-Moscow bilateral relations, the regional issues, and the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, Zarif has travelled to Moscow for talks with the Russian officials, including his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
Following the welcoming ceremony held on Tuesday, the two leaders started their bilateral talks on further strengthening of mutual cooperation in various political, economic, and cultural areas.
The high-ranking Iranian and Iraqi delegations also discuss the most important regional and international issues.
In his first foreign trip since taking office, PM Al-Kadhimi is being accompanied by Iraqi ministers of foreign affairs, oil, electricity, finance, defence, health, and his national security advisor.
Upon arrival at Mehrabad Airport, the Iraqi prime minister was welcomed by Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian.
During his stay in Tehran, the Iraqi prime minister will also meet with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.
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