Iraq's Ambassador to Riyadh Safia Al Souhail confirmed that Iraqi-Saudi relations are undergoing a strategic transformation, reflecting the leaderships' vision to deepen cooperation across political, security, and economic sectors.
She highlighted that both Baghdad and Riyadh have taken concrete steps to strengthen their partnership in ways that serve mutual interests and promote regional stability.
Al Souhail also revealed that the Iraqi parliament is nearing the approval of a law aimed at protecting Saudi investments.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the ambassador emphasized the ongoing coordination between the two countries at various international forums, driven by a shared desire for stability and a commitment to counter external challenges and interventions, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
Al Souhail stressed that Iraqi-Saudi relations are witnessing a notable positive shift, with a strategic transformation aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
She attributed this progress to the wise guidance of the leaderships of both brotherly nations, underscoring that the efforts are focused on enhancing security and stability in the region.
Over the past two years, Baghdad and Riyadh have taken significant steps to bolster their political, security, and economic partnership, drawing on a shared historical legacy and strong ties between their peoples, Al Souhail said.
She emphasized that this progress reflects the genuine will of both sides to deepen their strategic collaboration, serving the mutual interests of both nations and the broader Arab region.
“All these efforts aim to strengthen security and development in the region, opening broader avenues for joint cooperation that will benefit both peoples and contribute to achieving the desired stability and prosperity,” she added.
The ambassador further noted that Iraq-Saudi relations have seen a remarkable evolution in recent years, particularly in coordinating on Arab and regional issues.
This has been in response to the shared challenges facing the Arab world, with a focus on boosting security cooperation and combating terrorist organizations.
She also pointed to the numerous high-level meetings in recent months, including a visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
These meetings, held in Riyadh and AlUla, have furthered coordination on regional issues.
In the energy sector, Al Souhail highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the two countries within the framework of OPEC, aimed at regulating oil prices and stabilizing markets to serve their mutual interests.
She stressed that this continued coordination in international forums reflects both nations' commitment to achieving regional stability and countering external challenges and interventions.
The economy is key to strengthening bilateral relations, she said, with her efforts focused on highlighting promising investment opportunities in Iraq.
She pointed out that the passage of the law protecting Saudi investments in Iraq is imminent, following the completion of necessary amendments in coordination with relevant authorities.
Al Souhail emphasized that this step would significantly boost the flow of Saudi investments into Iraq.
“One of the key developments we will see in the coming period, which will facilitate greater investment flow, is the passing of the law to protect Saudi investments,” she said.
“The Iraqi parliament, in coordination and cooperation with the relevant legal and legislative authorities in the Kingdom, has worked on passing this law, which is expected to be enacted in the near future,” revealed Al Souhail.
“It will serve as a critical foundation for higher levels of investment coordination, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Iraq's Investment and Development Fund playing key roles in strengthening these ties,” she explained.
