Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is doing its best to help restore stability and security to the war-torn Iraq.
Mottaki made the remark in a meeting with his Australian counterpart Alexander Downer on the sidelines of the 62nd UN General Assembly session in New York on Thursday.
Since the Australian soldiers are now in Iraq and the issue of Iraq`s security is of prime importance, the meeting between the two foreign minister took place.
Restoration of security and stability to Iraq would benefit Iran and prepare grounds for expansion of ties between the two sides, Mottaki said, adding that Iran is to do its utmost to help restore stability and security to Iraq but insecurity as well as presence of occupation forces are two major obstacles in this way.
`We should admit that the Americans have failed in Iraq,` he said.
The two sides also reviewed expansion of economic cooperation between Iran and Australia as well as Iran`s peaceful nuclear activities.
Mottaki also highlighted the latest developments regarding Iran`s cooperation with IAEA.