Baghdad-INA
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, affirmed on Sunday the importance of supporting Iraq's security and stability and strengthening its national institutions. They also stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states, adhering to the principles of good neighborliness, and non-interference in internal affairs.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) indicated that "Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during his official visit to the Kingdom, in the presence of National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Aboudi and the Head of the National Intelligence Service, Hamid Al-Shatri."
"The Saudi Foreign Minister welcomed the Minister and his accompanying delegation," emphasizing "the depth of the historical and fraternal relations that unite the Republic of Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom's leadership's keenness to continue developing bilateral cooperation in various fields in a way that achieves the common interests of the two countries and their brotherly peoples."
"Hussein conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the new Iraqi government to the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," expressing "his appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, and commending the kind invitation and the frank and constructive dialogue, which reflects the shared desire to elevate bilateral relations to broader prospects."
The Saudi Foreign Minister affirmed, according to the statement, that "Iraq's security is an essential part of the region's security," stressing "the importance of preserving the fraternal relations between the two countries and preventing anything that could harm them, especially anything that affects security and stability." He also affirmed "the Kingdom's desire to enhance cooperation and joint coordination with Iraq in a way that serves the security and stability of the region."
The Foreign Minister explained, according to the statement, that "Iraq is keen to establish balanced and distinguished relations with all neighboring countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," noting that "the repercussions of the recent war cast a shadow over the region and affected the course of these relations. Iraq was among the countries most affected by its direct and indirect consequences, including attempts to damage its relations with brotherly nations."
For his part, Faisal bin Farhan affirmed that "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will support the new Iraqi government, based on its keenness to strengthen the bilateral partnership and consolidate cooperation in a way that achieves the common interests of the two countries and their brotherly peoples."