Iranian Delegation, Karbala Governor Discuss Cooperation
In the meeting, the governor, Nassif Al-Khattabi, expressed hope that after the eradication of the coronavirus pandemic, the holy city of Karbala would again host pilgrims from around the world.
He noted that no pilgrims are allowed to travel to Iraq for the Arbaeen annual procession this year due to the pandemic.
The two sides in this meeting discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation.
Last month Iraqi officials were quoted as saying that they would not allow any foreign pilgrims to visit Iraq for this year’s Arbaeen season considering the coronavirus restrictions.
Arbaeen, which is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, comes 40 days after Ashura, the martyrdom anniversary of the third Shia Imam, Imam Hussein (AS).
Each year, a huge crowd of Shias flock to the Iraqi city of Karbala, where the holy shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) is located, to perform mourning rites.
