Iraq speaker praises Saudi support in 'terror war'

Mohammed Al-Halbousi was speaking after a meeting with King Salman at Al-Yamamah Place in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 17 December 2018
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Iraq speaker praises Saudi support in 'terror war'

  • The king and Al-Halbousi also discussed bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries
  • The visit follows a meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iraqi president Barham Salih in November

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s parliamentary speaker said on Monday that Saudi Arabia had played a major role in supporting Iraq in its “war on terror” and has backed the country through a “difficult stage.”

Mohammed Al-Halbousi was speaking after a meeting with King Salman at Al-Yamamah Place in Riyadh, and said: “Saudi Arabia had a major role in supporting Iraq in its war against terrorist organizations, especially Daesh.

“Iraq has passed a difficult stage thanks to the support of Saudi Arabia, which contributed to the expulsion of ISIS from many regions and cities in Iraq,” he added.

The king and Al-Halbousi also discussed bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries during the meeting.

The visit follows a meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iraqi president Barham Salih in November.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq have improved this year after several visits by officials from both nations to Riyadh and Baghdad.


King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

Updated 20 December 2025
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King Abdulaziz Foundation reveals rare images from king’s 1916 Basra visit

  • Photographs form part of a wider collection documented by British photographer Gertrude Bell

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Foundation has revealed archival photographs documenting King Abdulaziz’s tour of the outskirts of Basra in 1916, a visit that came at an early stage of his efforts to build regional relationships.

One of the photographs, taken by British photographer Gertrude Bell, shows King Abdulaziz standing with his men in the Basra desert, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The image reflects his early political and diplomatic engagement in the region, as he sought to strengthen ties with neighboring areas and engage with the wider Arab and international community, SPA added.

The photograph forms part of a wider collection documented by Bell, which records key developments and transformations across the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century.

The Basra visit holds particular significance in King Abdulaziz’s journey as a unifying leader. 

Rather than crossing borders in pursuit of power, the visit reflected an approach focused on stability, cooperation and long-term regional harmony, laying the groundwork for a leadership style defined by pragmatism and openness, SPA said.