Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi voiced his government’s commitment to establish “the best ties” with Saudi Arabia.
“The cooperation between the two countries will act as a cornerstone for relations in the region based on many common interests,” a statement from his office said after his received on Thursday a high-ranking Saudi economic delegation.
The delegation, headed by Minister of Commerce and Investment Dr. Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, was on a two-day visit to Baghdad during which it announced a $1 billion grant to Iraq and the construction of a sports city in the country as a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Energy Minister Louay al-Khatib completed the finishing touches of the electrical agreement that was signed between Riyadh and Baghdad. The deal was signed with Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Falih and will pave the way for a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia.
The Iraqi Sports Ministry hailed Saudi Arabia for taking on the construction of the sports city, saying it will create a “qualitative shift, not just in Iraqi football, but throughout the youth and sports sector.”
Head of the parliamentary National Axis alliance MP Mohammed al-Karbouli told Asharq Al-Awsat that the “Saudi-Iraqi openness in normalizing ties in all diplomatic, economic, cultural and social fields is a valuable opportunity to create economic cohesion between the two fraternal countries.”
“The opening of the Arar border-crossing and the promising investment in Iraq will create a moderate environment for balanced ties with Arab and regional countries,” he added.
Anbar province MP Abdullah al-Khraybit told Asharq Al-Awsat that the accomplishments witnessed this week in Saudi-Iraqi ties are the crowning achievement of the diplomatic efforts exerted by President Barham Salih and Abdul Mahdi.
He revealed that the premier will pay an “important” visit to Saudi Arabia “within days.”
