Saudi crown prince and Iraqi PM discuss enhanced cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi discussed the work of the fourth session of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council on Tuesday.
During a virtual meeting the leaders reviewed agreements developed during the previous three sessions with the aim of strengthening relations between the two countries.
The crown prince told the prime minister he is “very happy to develop work with you and with Iraq.”
“The two countries are neighbors, we are all Arabs, we follow the same religion and we have the same interests and the same challenges,” he said in a statement issued by Saudi Press Agency.
Both he and Al-Kadhimi emphasized the importance of expanding and strengthening cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both nations in a number of fields, especially politics, security, trade investment and tourism.
They also emphasized the importance of working together in the energy sector through an exchange of experiences and within the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries by fully committing to all decisions designed to guarantee fair oil prices for the global market.
The crown prince and the PM also agreed to continue the cooperation between their nations in efforts to confront the threat of extremism and terrorism, which they said poses an existential threat to the region and the world. Saudi Arabia said it will continue to support Iraqi anti-terror efforts, in cooperation with the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, and both sides also stressed the importance of cooperation in efforts to secure their borders. In addition, they agreed to enhance cooperation and exchange information on issues of concern in a way that supports and strengthens security and stability in the region and the world.
Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, also held a virtual meeting on Tuesday.
Prince Faisal said that the meeting between the crown prince and the Iraqi premier was aimed at “strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and to launch them toward a new era to benefit their common interests.”
He added that an agreement had been reached to open the Arar border crossing in seven days, as the “first step to expanding commercial relations.” In addition, the work of the Saudi commercial attache in Baghdad will begin soon.
“Bilateral coordination in the field of energy supplies is an urgent necessity for the sake of stabilizing oil markets in a way that serves and maintains the relationship between consumers and producers,” said Prince Faisal.
Hussein said that the Kingdom “has successful experience in combating terrorism and extremism” and “we want to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s experience.”
Prince Faisal said “Iraq’s security is essential to the security of the Arab region” and that “security cooperation with Iraq is ongoing and excellent.”
Baghdad repeated an invitation for Saudi companies to invest in Iraq. The Iraqis also said that they appreciate a number of recent Saudi initiatives, including a pledge to help reconstruction efforts, assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the building of a sports stadium as a gift from King Salman to the Iraqi people.
The two nations also agreed to bilaterally implement the provisions of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, and to form a joint business council. Hussein said a memorandum of understanding has been signed for the implementation of an electrical connection with Saudi Arabia, and Iraq has purchased 400 megawatts of energy from the Kingdom.
Prince Faisal highlighted the historical ties between the two nations and added that he “welcomes all forms of cooperation with Iraq.”
Al-Kadhimi described the talks as “fruitful,” and said both sides will “seek economic integration that includes the region in general.” He also spoke of his nation’s historical ties with the Kingdom and added: “Iraq extends its hand to all its neighbors and those who wish it well.”
Meanwhile, the chief of staff of the Iraqi Army, Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah, and an accompanying delegation arrived in Riyadh to discuss bilateral military relations, ways in which they might be developed, and the exchange of expertise between the Saudi and Iraqi armed forces.