A joint security agreement between Iran and Iraq was signed by Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Qasim al-Araji, Iraq’s National Security Advisor.

The agreement was signed on Monday following Larijani’s talks with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad.

Earlier that morning, Larijani met with Qasim al-Araji, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, upon his arrival in Iraq.

This marks Larijani’s first foreign trip since assuming the position of Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.

Prior to departure to Iraq, Larijani told state IRIB TV that Iran’s regional policy is to protect its citizens while respecting the security of neighboring states.

He also expressed appreciation for Iraq’s cooperation during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage.

Earlier this month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Ali Larijani as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

In an official decree, Pezeshkian said the new head of the top security body is expected to exercise “prudent and precise oversight over the Secretariat’s functions”.

He also emphasized the need for Larijani to “foster synergy among the relevant institutions, monitor and prioritize national security challenges - especially emerging technological threats - redefine strategic concepts, and adopt intelligent, people-centered approaches in line with the evolving national security landscape”.

Larijani replaced Ali Akbar Ahmadian as Secretary of the SNSC, the top Council that oversees Iran’s national security and sets the direction of its foreign policy. Larijani held the same top security position from 2005 to 2007.

Larijani has previously held key positions, including Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), and Speaker of Parliament for three consecutive terms.

The Iranian President also added the ultimate goal is to achieve “sustainable security at the national, regional, and international levels, safeguard the Islamic Revolution, uphold the country’s honorable interests, and preserve national unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty”.