The British government Wednesday welcomed Iran's participation at next month's regional conference on Iraq. "We very much welcome the meeting. It is very important that neighbouring countries engage positively," the spokesman told IRNA.
The meeting, which also involves the US, has also been welcomed by member of the Iraq Study Group in Washington, which recommended such talks in December. "Iran and Syria can play a much more positive role in security and rebuilding Iraq," the British Foreign Office spokesman said.
The conference, which will include the five permanent UN Security Council members and the Arab League, is expected to be initially held at non-ministerial level.
Meanwhile, Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani said Wednesday that Iran would do its utmost to help Iraq solve its problems. Larijani was speaking to reporters after a meeting with Iraqi parliamentarian Abdul-Karim Anze.
"We will participate in the conference of Iraqi neighboring states in Baghdad in March if it will be of help to Baghdad," he said. He said Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has been formally invited to the conference by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.
"We will carry out everything necessary to advance Iraqi interests. Iraqi leaders have a great potential for administering the country's affairs," Larijani said.
