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King Salman, Iraqi PM Agree to Intensify Joint Efforts in Terrorism Fight | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)


Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi voiced on Tuesday Riyadh and Baghdad’s determination to continue their successful efforts in combating terrorist organizations, especially ISIS, whose criminal acts have affected the security of both countries, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The two leaders agreed to “intensify their joint efforts in confronting challenges, starting with combating extremism and terrorism in all of its forms,” said a statement issued at the end of their meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Abadi had arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday on an official visit.

Meetings between King Salman and Abadi stressed the ties that bind the Kingdom and Iraq, underlining the need to hold regular meetings between officials from the two sides.

As part of the constructive summit that pervaded the bilateral talks, regional issues and political and security challenges facing the Arab and Islamic ummahs were discussed.

The challenge of terrorism should be faced with drying up the financing of terror groups and committing to agreements and pledges that bind countries to this goal.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq condemned all acts that violate the security and stability of either country and the region, stressing the need to reject the spirit of hate, violence and sectarianism, added the joint statement.

They also asserted their keenness on bolstering their fraternal ties to achieve joint interests and bolster regional security.

Furthermore, the two sides agreed to establish a coordination council to develop ties and shift them towards the strategic level and open new horizons of cooperation in various fields, including politics, security, economy, development, trade, investment, tourism and culture.

Abadi expressed the Iraqi government’s appreciation for the role of Saudi Arabia in its role in supporting efforts to rebuild Iraq.

He also praised the efforts of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi government in catering to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and a number of other officials were present at the meeting between King Salman and Abadi.

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, had also held talks with Abadi.