Iraqi, Saudi FMs discuss bilateral relations over phone

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Ali al-Hakim discussed with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir means of promoting bilateral relations in different fields.

In a phone conversation, the two foreign ministers discussed the relations between Baghdad and Riyadh and ways to develop them in the coming period in a manner that helps serve the interests of the peoples of the two countries.

They also tackled a raft of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries broke down in 1990 following Baghdad’s brazen invasion of Kuwait. The formal ties between Saudi Arabia and Iraq resumed in 2015 when Riyadh reopened its embassy in Baghdad, which had been shuttered for 25 years.

In June 2017, Iraq and Saudi Arabia agreed to set up a coordination council in efforts to further cement ties as the latter seeks to counteract Iranian influence in the former.

Baghdad has long claimed it seeks good relations with all countries, but Tehran’s sway over internal politics has been most palpable with its direct support for senior politicians and militias.