al-Maliki

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for expansion of ties between his country and Iraq following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Iran's state news agency (IRNA) reports that President Ahmadinejad said stronger relations between the two nations will help Iraq's development and stability.

The two leaders met late Sunday as part of Mr. Maliki's state visit to Iran, his third since he became prime minister.  President Ahmadinejad made a landmark visit to Iraq in March.