Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Baghdad on September 11 for his inaugural foreign visit since taking office, commencing a trip aimed at bolstering ties between the two neighbouring nations, his official channel announced.

Pezeshkian, leading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, landed at Baghdad International Airport, where he was formally welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani. The visit comes at the official invitation of the Iraqi premier.

This maiden foreign trip by President Pezeshkian is viewed as a strategic move to reinforce Iran's ties with Iraq, a crucial neighbour and partner in the region.

In a ceremony steeped in diplomatic protocol, the national anthems of both countries were played, after which Pezeshkian and Al Sudani inspected a guard of honour. The two leaders then introduced their respective high-ranking officials to one another.

Following the airport reception, Pezeshkian was scheduled to travel to the Presidential Palace for talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. The Iranian leader's itinerary also includes a meeting with Al Sudani at the Prime Minister's office, to be followed by a joint session involving senior delegations from both countries.

The comprehensive visit highlights Iran's commitment to strengthening its political, economic, and cultural links with Iraq.

Pezeshkian's agenda encompasses meetings with various Iraqi officials, including the Speaker of the Council of Representatives and the head of the judiciary.

Sources close to the matter indicate that the talks are expected to culminate in the signing of several joint cooperation documents, highlighting the importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship.

Beyond official engagements, Pezeshkian is set to meet with Iranian businesspeople and expatriates residing in Iraq, which has been the biggest export market of Iranian full finished products in recent years.

The Iranian President's itinerary believed includes a pilgrimage to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, where he will visit the shrines of Imam Ali and Imam Hussein.

In a move that signals Iran's interest in engaging with all political entities in Iraq, Pezeshkian is slated to travel to the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq upon the invitation of Kurdish authorities.

The visit also carries a strong economic focus, with Pezeshkian scheduled to inspect several Iranian company projects in Basra.

Analysts suggest that the visit could pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.