Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said today that Iraq is to let 1,500 Iranian pilgrims visit the country each day under an agreement signed by Baghdad and Tehran. He told state television that the accord was signed by the deputy foreign ministers of the two neighbouring countries.
Iraq's deputy foreign minister Sa'd al-Hayani is currently visiting Tehran. Kharrazi added that the number of pilgrims could rise to 5,000 daily once the Iraqi government has put in place the necessary infrastructure.
Six of the 12 imams venerated by Shiites, who form a majority in both countries, are buried in Iraq.
The agreement, expected to operate within a month, also allows for travel facilities between the two countries for traders and businessmen.
