Iraqi PM Eyes Boosting Relations with Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)
The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)
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Iraqi PM Eyes Boosting Relations with Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)
The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shiaa al-Sudani received a delegation from the Saudi-Iraqi Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shura Council, chaired by Council Member and Chairman of the Committee, Ibrahim al-Qannas.

The meeting was attended by the Saudi ambassador to Iraq and several members of the Iraqi parliament.

Sudani welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of sustaining and strengthening relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq at all levels. He also reiterated consolidating economic and commercial partnerships and cultural exchange relations.

He added that, since assuming its duties, the government has followed a path that adopts strengthening ties and regional integration, which aims to confront regional challenges and crises, coordinate positions, and establish rapprochement with nations.

The Prime Minister indicated that Baghdad has become an arena to solve regional issues, contributing to stability.

The Saudi delegation confirmed that the Kingdom values relations with Iraq at various levels and looks forward to participating in the proposed development projects and available investment opportunities in a way that promotes economic cooperation between the two countries.



African Peace and Security Council Proposes Sudan Roadmap

 Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)
Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)
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African Peace and Security Council Proposes Sudan Roadmap

 Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)
Plumes of smoke rise during clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum, Sudan, September 26, 2024. (Reuters)

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has proposed a roadmap to resolve the war in Sudan.

A delegation from the council is visiting the interim Sudanese capital, Port Sudan, for the first time since the eruption of the war in the country in April 2023.

The delegation informed Sudanese officials that the African Union is seeking a ceasefire in line with a roadmap proposed by its Peace and Security Council. The details of the roadmap were not disclosed.

Sudanese officials, for their part, briefed the delegation on the conflict.

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello told Asharq Al-Awsat that contacts are ongoing with the African Union over a mechanism to monitor the implementation of current and future agreements.

It is best to remain prepared, he added. The international community must assess the options to support the implementation of the cessation of hostilities.

Moreover, he noted that elements that support the ousted regime of President Omar al-Bashir are within the army and opposed to the democratic civilian rule in the country.

He accused them of seeking to prolong the war and returning to rule against the will of the people.

The envoy also said the conflict cannot be resolved through a military solution.

Over the months, the army has wasted opportunities to end the war through negotiations that could restore peace and civilian rule, he noted.

The latest escalation between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will cost countless lives among civilians, warned Perriello.