Saudi renews invitation to Iraq PM as Baghdad, Riyadh seek to repair ties
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to visit Riyadh as the two countries try to regain momentum in ties after a dangerous escalation involving Iran-backed militias operating from Iraqi soil.
Al-Zaidi met with Saudi intelligence head Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan in Baghdad on Friday, with the Saudi official conveying a message from the kingdom’s leadership extending the offer and discussing greater security cooperation, according to the Iraqi government.
The meeting is notable since Al-Zaidi canceled a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia last month in response to US-Saudi airstrikes on Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.
These operations followed a series of drone assaults on Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh claimed that Iran-backed militias fired drones from Iraqi territory, attempting to damage oil installations in the Eastern Province and targets near Riyadh, and publicly urged Baghdad to prevent its land from being used as a launchpad for assaults against the country.
Saudi Arabia then launched operations with US troops against Iran-backed militia strongholds in Iraq, increasing pressure on Baghdad to bring armed organizations operating outside of effective official control under its authority.
During Friday’s meeting, Al-Zaidi underlined Iraq’s refusal to allow its land to be used for attacks on Saudi Arabia or any other country, emphasizing Baghdad’s commitment to sovereignty, good neighbor relations, and regional security.
According to the Iraqi statement, the two sides agreed to maintain information sharing and security cooperation, with Baghdad aiming to avoid future assaults that may prompt another military reaction on Iraqi soil.
The outreach coincides with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deepen regional security relationships.
On Friday, Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which states that any military assault on one of the three nations is considered an attack on all.
Saudi authorities are also apprehensive about additional strikes by Iran-aligned forces.
For Al-Zaidi, the repeated Saudi invitation provides a chance to mend ties with one of Iraq’s most significant Arab neighbors while also displaying Baghdad’s determination to prevent Iran-backed forces from dictating its regional connections.
The implications extend beyond security. Iraq has been pursuing more Saudi and Gulf investment as part of a larger push to diversify its economy, attract foreign money, and enhance trade and infrastructural ties with its Arab neighbors.
As a result, Friday’s meeting constitutes a crucial step in moving Baghdad-Riyadh relations past last month’s dispute. However, continued progress is likely to be strongly dependent on Iraq’s capacity to show that attacks on its neighbors would not be launched from its territory in the future.