Tehran-Riyadh rapprochement ‘positive step’ towards promotion of regional security: Iraq

Iraq's President Abdul Latif Rashid has lauded the resumption of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia as a “positive step” that works to enhance security and stability in the West Asia region.

“The rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a positive step to enhance security, stability and peace, and we appreciate the efforts made by China and Iraq for that rapprochement,” Rashid said in an interview with China's official Xinhua news agency late on Monday.

Diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran were severed by Saudi Arabia in January 2016 after Iranian protesters, angered by Riyadh's execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, stormed its embassy in Tehran.

On March 10, after several days of intensive negotiations hosted by China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties and reopen embassies seven years after their relations were severed.

In a joint statement after signing the agreement, Tehran and Riyadh highlighted the need to respect each others’ national sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of one another.

They also agreed to implement a security cooperation agreement signed in April 2001 and another accord reached in May 1998 to boost economic, commercial, investment, technical, scientific, cultural, sports, and youth affairs cooperation.

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Iraq urges cooperation in fighting terrorism

During his interview with Xinhua news agency, Rashid said his country has suffered from terrorism for a long period, and called for international cooperation in combating the heinous phenomenon.

The Iraqi president also said Baghdad needs the support of the international community and the contribution of international companies in the fields of construction, construction, infrastructure development, electricity, water, energy and other services.

Rashid said Iraq needs to build roads, bridges and dams, as well as railways and other things related to improving the country's infrastructure, adding that Chinese companies can support Iraq in this regard.

“Our relations with China are developing well, and we appreciate the efforts of Chinese and international companies that have contributed to the reconstruction of Iraq,” he underlined.

Daesh began a campaign of terror in Iraq in 2014, overrunning vast swathes in lightning attacks. Iraq declared victory over the group in December 2017, after a three-year counterterrorism endeavor, which also had the support of Iran. The terror outfit’s remnants, though, keep staging sporadic attacks across Iraq, in an attempt to regroup.

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