Iraq Pledges Territory Won’t Be Used for Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Iraq would not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks on Saudi Arabia or other regional countries, according to an Iraqi government statement describing their meeting in Riyadh on October 14. Al-Zaidi also condemned the attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and attacks that harm civilians or civilian infrastructure, the statement said. He reiterated Iraq’s commitment to good-neighborly relations and respect for national sovereignty. The two leaders discussed regional developments, security challenges and ways to strengthen cooperation between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, including security coordination, according to the statement. Mohammed bin Salman expressed support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to promote dialogue and regional stability. The meeting came amid heightened security concerns following attacks on Saudi targets. Saudi authorities said a September drone strike on the East-West oil pipeline originated in Iraq. Iraqi authorities also concluded that the drones were launched from Iraqi territory, according to the reports.