RIYADH, OCT 14: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday for talks on regional security and bilateral cooperation, as Baghdad reaffirmed its commitment to preventing Iraqi territory from being used to launch attacks against Saudi Arabia or other neighboring countries.
The meeting took place shortly after al-Zaidi arrived in the Saudi capital at the start of an official Gulf tour aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing escalating security tensions in the region.
The two leaders discussed regional developments and ways to coordinate efforts to enhance security and stability, according to a statement from the Iraqi government.
They also reviewed Saudi-Iraqi relations and opportunities to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including security coordination to address regional threats, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.
During the meeting, al-Zaidi reiterated Iraq’s firm position against allowing its territory to be used as a launching point for attacks or activities threatening the security of Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region.
He emphasized Baghdad’s commitment to good-neighborly relations and respect for the sovereignty of Iraq and other countries.
The Iraqi prime minister also condemned the recent attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, as well as attacks harming civilians and civilian infrastructure during conflicts, warning that such actions threatened regional security and stability.
For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to promote dialogue and achieve regional stability.
The visit comes amid heightened regional tensions, including a series of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, targeting civilian airports and launching missiles and drones toward major cities.
Al-Zaidi’s visit follows the cancellation of a previously planned trip to Riyadh in July amid escalating security tensions.
In August, the Iraqi prime minister met Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali al-Humaidan in Baghdad, where he similarly stressed that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to attack other countries.
The two sides also discussed strengthening security cooperation and intelligence sharing, according to the Iraqi prime minister’s media office.
Economic cooperation is another key focus of the visit, particularly in trade, transportation, investment and regional connectivity.
In an article published Tuesday in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, al-Zaidi called for a broader strategic partnership between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing joint planning and economic integration.
He highlighted Iraq’s Development Road project and transport links with Gulf countries as opportunities to expand the country’s regional economic role.
Al-Zaidi also linked greater investment to improving stability, strengthening state institutions, combating corruption and creating a more favorable legal environment for businesses.
Energy security is also expected to feature in the discussions, with Iraq seeking to safeguard oil exports amid disruptions to regional energy flows and growing threats to shipping routes and infrastructure.
The Iraqi prime minister is expected to travel to Kuwait following his visit to Riyadh as part of his Gulf tour.
