BAGHDAD, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi President Barham Salih Monday discussed with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas bilateral relations, and expressed Iraq's support to the rights of the Palestinian people to achieve peace and stability on their land.

A statement by the presidency office said that Salih received Abbas and accompanying delegation, and the two sides held a meeting to discuss means to enhance cooperation and coordination in a way that serves the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.

"President Salih stressed the importance of protecting Jerusalem as well as sanctities from any violations, confirming the need to exert efforts to achieve the hopes of the brotherly Palestinian people for peace and stability as well as to realize their full legitimate rights," the statement said.

For his part, Abbas congratulated the Iraqi people and government for the victory over Islamic State (IS) group and the liberation of all Iraqi territories, and expressed the "desire of his government to develop and expand bilateral relations," the statement added.

The two sides also "discussed the latest developments in the Arab and regional arenas and the need to work to support the unity of Arab world to achieve security and stability in the region," it said.

Abbas arrived in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Sunday afternoon with a high-level delegation including Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, for a two-day visit aimed at discussing the current political situation, particularly the Palestinian cause, and ways to promote bilateral relations in all fields.