Saudis open consulate in Iraq for the first time in nearly 30 years
Iraq Foreign Minister Mohamed Alhakim raises the Saudi flag during the opening ceremony of the Saudi consulate in Baghdad, Iraq, April 4, 2019. Photo: AP
BAGHDAD,— Iraq says Saudi Arabia has opened a consulate in Baghdad for the first time in nearly 30 years in a sign of improving ties.
The consulate, which will issue visas to Iraqis, was opened during a two-day visit by a delegation headed by the Saudi minister of commerce and investment, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi.
Riyadh seeks closer ties to Iraq in an effort to counter Iran’s growing regional influence.
Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Sahhaf said the consulate was opened Thursday inside the heavily fortified Green Zone. He says the move is expected to benefit both countries.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi is visiting Iran on Saturday, and plans to visit Saudi Arabia later this month.
Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iraq when it invaded Kuwait in 1990.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman will provide Iraq $1 billion to build a sports city, state television said on Wednesday, the start of two-day visit to Iraq by high-level Saudi officials aimed at boosting ties.
Riyadh has been wooing Baghdad as part of an effort to stem the growing regional influence of Iran, while Iraq is seeking economic benefits from closer ties with its southern neighbour.
Copyright © 2019, respective author or news agency, Ekurd.net | AP | Reuters
Comments