(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) NEOM, November 10, 2020, SPA -- His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, held a virtual meeting today with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.
During the meeting, they the reviewed the workings of 4th session of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council and the results of the previous sessions that aimed at strengthening fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries.
The following is the text of the joint statement issued by the meeting:
Based on the solid and historical fraternal bonds that unite the two countries and peoples, and to enhance the distinguished relations between them, a virtual meeting was held between His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.
The meeting was attended by a number of senior officials from both sides.
HRH the Crown Prince and the Iraqi Prime Minister stressed the two countries' determination to strengthen relations in all fields, and reviewed the workings of 4th session of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council and the results of the previous three sessions of agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries. They also approved the results of the workings of the Council in its 4th session and the findings of its committees as follows:
1- Emphasizing the importance of expanding and strengthening the bilateral cooperation to serve the interests of the two countries and the two brotherly peoples in various fields, especially political, security, trade, investment and tourism, to be based on what have been achieved of positive results in the mutual visits between the two countries during the past period.
2- The two sides stressed the importance of cooperation in the fields of energy, exchange of experiences and coordination of positions in the oil field within the scope of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC Plus. They also stressed full commitment to all decisions that have been agreed upon, in a manner that guarantees reaching fair and appropriate oil prices for exporters and consumers in the global oil market. The Republic of Iraq also renewed its invitation to Saudi companies to invest in promising opportunities in various fields in Iraq.
3- Continuing joint cooperation in facing the threat of extremism and terrorism as an existential threat to the region and the world. They agreed to continue supporting Iraq's efforts in cooperation with the international coalition to combat terrorism and extremism. Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in securing the borders between the two brotherly countries.
4- Intensifying cooperation and exchanging views on issues of common interests to the two countries on the regional and international arenas, in a way that contributes to supporting and strengthening security and stability in the region and the world, and the need to keep the region away from tensions and seek to establish sustainable security. They agreed to continue communication and visits to complete the bilateral consultations at the highest levels, to expand and follow-up areas of joint cooperation to serve the interests of the two countries.
5- Enhancing coordination in the field of mutual support within the framework of multilateral diplomacy, especially for positions and jobs in international organizations.
6- The Republic of Iraq appreciated the participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Kuwait Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, which was held from 12 to 14 February 2018, and its pledges and contribution to it. It was agreed on ways to benefit from the outcomes of this conference regarding the promises and financial credit facilities launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
7- Agreement to open Jadidat Arar Border crossing, which will be inaugurated and operated after 7 days, in addition to the inauguration of the Saudi Commercial Attaché in Baghdad soon.
8- The two sides agreed on a joint work plan, and endeavor to start implementing the provisions of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area agreement bilaterally between the two brotherly countries, and to form a joint business council.
9- Iraq thanked and appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its initiative in building a sports stadium for the people of Iraq, a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and an agreement is underway to lay the foundations for the start of the project. Iraq also appreciated the Kingdom's response to the cooperation between the ministries of health in both countries in the field of combating COVID-19 and supporting Iraq by providing it with the necessary medical supplies to face this crisis.
At the conclusion of the meeting, HRH the Crown Prince and the Iraqi Prime Minister stressed the importance of strengthening the relations that bind the two brotherly peoples in all fields and moving them forward to match the ambitions and visions of the leaderships of the two countries to achieve common interests, enhance the security and stability of the region, and advancing development for the benefit of the two peoples.
--SPA
00:38 LOCAL TIME 21:38 GMT
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