Iraqi PM Optimistic over Dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Iran

A handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on June 7, 2022 shows Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi giving a press conference at the government headquarters in the capital Baghdad's fortified "Green Zone". (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office/AFP)
A handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on June 7, 2022 shows Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi giving a press conference at the government headquarters in the capital Baghdad's fortified "Green Zone". (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office/AFP)
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Iraqi PM Optimistic over Dialogue between Saudi Arabia, Iran

A handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on June 7, 2022 shows Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi giving a press conference at the government headquarters in the capital Baghdad's fortified "Green Zone". (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office/AFP)
A handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office on June 7, 2022 shows Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi giving a press conference at the government headquarters in the capital Baghdad's fortified "Green Zone". (Iraqi Prime Minister’s Press Office/AFP)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi revealed on Tuesday that his country was sponsoring dialogues between five countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran.

He did not name the other countries, but confirmed that the talks were being held in Iraq.

On the Saudi-Iranian dialogue, he revealed that it had made "good" progress, expecting "good news" in the coming period.

"Iraq has largely succeeded in easing tensions in the region and this is very important," he declared at a press conference attended by Asharq Al-Awsat.

"Iraq is a central country in the region and it can therefore play a very significant role," Kadhimi added, saying that a "crisis of trust" had impeded its role, but it has now been overcome.

He cited the visits paid by the Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers to Iraq in recent days as evidence of his country's important role.

Turning to the climate, Kadhimi said Iraq was part of Saudi Arabia's Middle East Green Initiative and it will plant 60 billion trees.

The Kingdom, he continued, has supported Iraq in planting these trees in its effort to combat desertification and the water and climate crises, which have not been addressed properly in the country due to its conflicts.

On the political scene, the PM said certain parties, which he did not name, have been impeding the work of his government so that it would be deemed a failure.

The reality on the ground, however, speaks differently even though the government has been in office for only two years, he remarked.

He stressed that his government was formed for the sole purpose of holding early elections and it did so last year and the polls were hailed as a success.

Moreover, he noted that he assumed office during the collapse of oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic. "I accepted the challenge and responsibility even though the odds were stacked against me."



Saudi Arabia Reiterates Categorical Rejection of Israel’s Ongoing Attack against Palestinians, Relief Agencies

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reiterates Categorical Rejection of Israel’s Ongoing Attack against Palestinians, Relief Agencies

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government reiterated on Tuesday its categorical rejection of the Israeli forces’ ongoing attacks against civilians and humanitarian and relief agencies.

It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards these violations against the Palestinian people.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

The ministers were briefed on the telephone calls Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, held with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.

They reviewed the talks held by senior Saudi officials with their counterparts from different countries, at bilateral and multilateral levels, with the aim of strengthening ties, intensifying efforts to open up new horizons in various fields and achieve aspired goals, and bolstering efforts exerted to tackle global challenges.

The cabinet tackled the outcome of the second meeting of the Saudi-French Ministerial Committee, and the efforts to strengthen cultural, tourism, and economic partnerships between AlUla and Paris, in view of the special relations between their countries and commitment to developing ties in all sectors.

The cabinet commended the outcome of the second meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Political, Security, Social, and Cultural Cooperation, established under the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council, which underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation on issues of common interest, particularly those related to economic development and international security and peace.

It reviewed the latest regional and international developments, focusing on the situation in the Palestinian territories.

The cabinet reiterated its concern over extremist Israeli statements about imposing sovereignty over the West Bank, and the construction and expansion of settlements.

These actions undermine peace efforts, threaten regional security and stability, and are a blatant violation of international laws and relevant UN resolutions, it warned.

Domestically, the cabinet hailed the support lent by King Salman to the current Riyadh Economic Forum, saying that the recommendations of the 11th session of the forum can be expected to give further impetus to the national economy and bolster the private sector's role in the Kingdom's comprehensive development.

The cabinet recognized the success of the "Cityscape Global 2024" exhibition held in Riyadh, which aligns with national goals and offers promising prospects to the real estate sector. The value of the transactions concluded at the exhibition surpassed SAR230 billion, with sales from local and international developers exceeding SAR20 billion. The exhibition attracted over 172,000 visitors, underscoring the success of the Kingdom's efforts to position itself as a global hub for exhibitions and conferences.

Moreover, the cabinet praised the outcomes of the "Jeddah Declaration", issued during the Fourth High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, commending the initiatives and mechanisms that bolster the global commitment to a multifaceted approach in tackling global health challenges and seeking solutions through research, development, and innovation.

The cabinet said the Fourth Edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, set for December 3-4, will be geared toward expediting efforts aimed at fostering a more sustainable future. The initiative has had concrete positive impacts on climate and environmental initiatives, helping boost the total capacity of renewable energy sources to over four gigawatts, planting about 95 million trees, and translocating 1,660 endangered animals across the Kingdom.