RIYADH: Iraq’s President Barham Salih met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Baghdad on Tuesday.
The Iraqi president said they were keen to develop and strengthen relations between Baghdad and Riyadh, and praised Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in the region, the Iraqi News Agency reported.
Salih said that “a secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq that has close relations with its Arab and Islamic neighbors is anchored in consolidating the security, stability and development in the region.”
During the meeting, they reviewed ties between the two countries and ways to strengthen them.

We discussed the brotherly ties between our two countries, and ways to improve the relationship across all avenues.

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) May 11, 2021

Prince Khalid said: “The Kingdom is committed to supporting Iraq’s security and stability and to strengthen the bonds of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of security, economy and investment.”
Prince Khalid arrived in Baghdad earlier on Tuesday, heading a high-ranking security delegation.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi stressed the importance of developing relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in various fields, particularly security cooperation to defeat Daesh remnants.

I also met with H.E Prime Minister @MAKadhimi, H.E Speaker @AlHaLboosii, and Defense Minister Juma Anad Al Juburi, and discussed our distinguished and brotherly relationship as well as issues of mutual interests to both our countries. pic.twitter.com/QPmecLLbvL

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) May 11, 2021

“Relations with Saudi Arabia are witnessing fruitful steps that are in the interest of both countries and the region,” he said.
Al-Kadhimi visited Riyadh in March, where he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and five agreements were signed.
Prince Khalid also met with Speaker of the Council of Representatives Mohammed Al-Halbousi and Defense Minister Juma Anad Al-Juburi during his visit.