Riyadh aims to counter Tehran’s influence by deepening Iraq ties | Financial Times:
Saudi Arabia is intensifying diplomatic efforts to boost ties with Iraq, as the kingdom aims to strengthen its influence on regional rival Iran’s doorstep.
Majid al-Qasabi, the Saudi trade minister, hailed the “beginning of a new phase in the relations” between Riyadh and Baghdad as a delegation of more than 100 Saudi officials arrived in the Iraqi capital this week, wielding a $1bn grant for a sports stadium. Saudi Arabia opened a consulate in Baghdad on Thursday and pledged to open three more across the country.
Adil Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s prime minister, met Mr Qasabi and other Saudi officials on Wednesday, while a Saudi-Iraq co-operation council, led by Iraq’s oil minister, convened for only the second time. Saudi officials also announced their land border would reopen this year, which they said was a “major step” to promoting trade ties.
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