Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said Wednesday that economic and political cooperation between Iran and Iraq is expanding, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"The cooperation between Iran and Iraq is expanding," Larijani told reporters at a press conference before his departure to Baghdad.

"We will consult with the Iraqi parliament speaker on economic and political cooperation," he was quoted as saying.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always extended support to the Baghdad government since its establishment, he added.

The visit, at the invitation of Iraqi Parliament Speaker Ayad al-Samarraie, is aimed to discuss bilateral issues, the report said.

Local observers say the expel of People's Mujahedin of Iran ( PMOI), a dissident Iranian Islamic-socialist organization, from Iraq, border security issues and also the security of Iranian pilgrims to Iraq are high on the agenda of the talks.

Larijani is due to leave Tehran for Baghdad later in the day on a four-day visit.