(financialtribune) -- "Takfiris and Daesh terrorists tried to create a rift in Iran and Iraq relations, but their attempt actually strengthened ties between the two countries," Abadi said on Monday in a meeting with Iran's new ambassador to the Arab country, Iraj Masjedi, IRNA reported.

The officials discussed regional issues, stressing the importance of forging mutual ties so as to speed up the process of eradicating terrorism from the region to restore security and stability.

Iraq has been facing the growing threat of terrorism, mainly posed by Daesh (the acronym used for the self-styled Islamic State terrorist group). The militants made swift advances in much of northern and western Iraq over the mid-2014, after capturing large swaths of northern Syria.

Following the advances, Iran was the first country to provide Iraq with military advisory aid to counter the security challenge.

Stressing the necessity of removing obstacles to mutual ties, the Iraqi premier called for expansion of mutual interactions in the fields of commerce, joint investment, job creation and joint economic projects.

Masjedi, who had earlier in the day submitted his credentials to Iraqi President Fouad Masoum, praised the Arab country's endeavors in the fight against terror groups and said Iran is determined to continue its support for the Baghdad government in fighting terrorism.

The Iranian envoy, responding to Abadi's call for expansion of economic ties, voiced Tehran's willingness to go along the same path, and said he would do his best during his term to help boost bilateral cooperation.

"Iran and Iraq, on account of their enormous capacities and potentials, should do their best to foster wide-ranging relations," he said.