The Saudi-Iraqi coordination council kicked off on Sunday a series of meetings ahead of the anticipated visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Minister of Trade Dr. Majed al-Qasabi represented Saudi Arabia at the talks, while Finance Minister Ali Abdul Amir Allawi represented Iraq. Discussions focused on efforts to boost bilateral relations in various political, economic and cultural fields, as well as protecting joint interests.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Baghdad Abdulaziz al-Shammari told Asharq Al-Awsat the meetings will greatly help in developing Saudi-Iraqi relations and push them towards increasing coordination and cooperation in different fields.
He added that the council will also discuss investment opportunities in the energy field, revealing that meetings with major companies will be held to that end.
Moreover, the envoy said officials will also address the reopening of the Arar border crossing between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
An Iraqi delegation of senior officials had arrived in Riyadh on Sunday afternoon, reported the Saudi Press Agency. It included the ministers of finance and planning, oil, health, electricity and youth and sports, as well as the general secretary of the Iraqi cabinet.
