TEHRAN, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, on Monday exchanged views on boosting relations.

In a meeting in the Iranian capital Tehran, the two sides discussed cooperation in the areas of economy and security, according to a statement on the website of the Iranian president's office.

Noting that Iran's relations with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region were based on historical, religious and cultural bonds, Raisi expressed his hope that Barzani's visit would become a turning point in boosting the level of political, security, economic and cultural ties between the two sides.

He said the Iranian government and people attached great importance to Iraq's security, adding, "We are confident about the friendship and goodwill of our Iraqi and Kurdish brothers."

Given the "grudge" held by the "enemies" against the Iranian people, Raisi said, his country expected the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Region to prevent any abuse of their soil by hostile groups targeting Iran.

He called for efforts to prevent any "hostile elements and ill-wishers" from disrupting the process of expanding bilateral cooperation.

Barzani, for his part, said the two neighbors' age-old religious, historical and cultural commonalities had created deep bonds between them.

Hailing Iran as a friend of Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Barzani said, "We expect Iran to continue its support to help resolve the problems in Iraq and build a developed and advanced country." Enditem

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