By AFPMore by this AuthorTEHRAN,Iraq's new President Barham Saleh made his first official visit to neighbouring Iran on Saturday, calling for "a new order in the region". "We believe Iran has an important role to play in this new order," he added. President Saleh, a 58-year-old moderate Kurd, was elected last month to the largely ceremonial role of president. Mr Rouhani said the two countries aimed to boost trade from $12 billion to $20 billion. Iran has been highly influential in Iraq since the toppling of Saddam Hussein in 2003, and was a key partner in pushing back the Islamic State group in recent years.

Source: Daily Nation November 17, 2018 12:00 UTC