Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Saudi-Iraqi Relations Take a ‘Quantum Leap’ | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55377070
Caption:

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (R) talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 19, 2017. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS Reuters


Riyadh- A joint Saudi-Iraqi statement announced on Tuesday that both countries have agreed to establish a coordinative council in a move to upgrade strategic ties.

Cooperation is expected to encompass a broad selection of domains, whether it is politics, security, economics, commerce, investment, tourism or culture.

“The countries agreed to establish a coordination council to upgrade relations to the hoped for strategic level and open new horizons for cooperation in different fields,” said the statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.

It said the two countries had achieved a “quantum leap” in bilateral relations and stressed the importance of further official visits.

More so, the statement cited meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, then Deputy Crown Prince, and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi during which both parties appreciated the upgrade in relations, and highlighting the importance to keeping regular visits among both countries’ officials.

Rising regional issues and political and security challenges facing Arab and Islamic nations were discussed at the bilateral meetings held.

Both Iraq and Saudi Arabia agreed to intensify joint action on confronting these challenges, particularly combating extremism and fighting terrorism in all its forms, in an emphasis to the importance of drying up sources funding terrorism.

The two countries expressed their determination to carry on combating terrorist organizations, particularly terror group ISIS.

In the joint statement, they also condemned all actions affecting the security and stability of the two countries and the region, stressing the need to reject hate, violence, and sectarian strife and discrimination.

For his part, PM Abadi expressed the Iraqi government’s appreciation of Saudi support in efforts exerted in Iraq’s infrastructure.

Abadi also commended the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi government for their services to the world’s Muslim pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors.

He also expressed his thanks and appreciation for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to both him and his accompanying delegation.