Saudi Arabia reopens embassy in Baghdad

The reopening will allow the two countries cooperate on security and against extremism, says Saudi ambassador to Iraq


Reuters January 01, 2016
Saudi Arabia's King Salman (C) attends a session of Saudi Shura Council in Riyadh, December 23, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

BAGHDAD: Saudi Arabia has reopened its embassy in Baghdad, after a 25-year shutdown, which will allow the two countries to cooperate more closely against terrorism, al-Arabiya TV reported on Friday.

The kingdom closed its embassy in Baghdad in 1990, after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia to reopen Baghdad embassy after 25-year chill

Its reopening will allow the two countries to cooperate on security and the fight against extremism, the new Saudi ambassador to Iraq, Thamer al-Sabhan, told al-Arabiya.

A thaw in the once chilly relations between Sunni Muslim-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shia-led Iraq could help strengthen a regional alliance against Islamic State militants who have seized territory in Iraq and Syria.

Qatar appoints first ambassador to Iraq in 25 years

Saudi Arabia has long accused Iraq of being too close to Shia Iran, its main regional rival, and of encouraging sectarian discrimination against Sunnis, a charge Baghdad denies.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ