BAGHDAD, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi President Barham Salih and Saudi Arabian Minister of Commerce and Investment Majid al-Qasabi discussed bilateral ties on Monday.
Salih received al-Qasabi and his accompanying delegation in the presidential palace and confirmed during the meeting "the importance of developing bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation in various fields, and implementing agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries in the fields of economy, investment, and trade exchange."
For his part, al-Qasabi stressed "the kingdom's commitment to supporting the stability of Iraq and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, investment, and trade."
Meanwhile, a separate statement by the media office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said that al-Kadhimi received the Saudi delegation, and the two sides discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries as well as steps taken to enhance economic relations.
Al-Kadhimi welcomed the increase in trade exchange between the two countries after the opening of the Arar border crossing last month, the statement said.
During the meeting, al-Qasabi affirmed that "strengthening the existing cooperation will enable the two countries to face common challenges, whether in the field of confronting the coronavirus pandemic or in the economic field, which will positively reflect on the welfare and stability of the two countries, as well as strengthening regional peace," according to the statement.
On Nov. 10, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud held a meeting via video conference to review the outcome of the fourth session of the Iraqi-Saudi Coordination Council.
The two sides reopened the Arar border crossing between the two countries on Nov. 18, after it was closed for about 30 years. Enditem
