Iraq intends to open a consulate in the east of Saudi Arabia after the opening of a new Saudi consulate in Baghdad earlier on Thursday, Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Sahhaf told Sputnik
BAGHDAD (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 04th April, 2019) Iraq intends to open a consulate in the east of Saudi Arabia after the opening of a new Saudi consulate in Baghdad earlier on Thursday, Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Sahhaf told Sputnik.Earlier in the day, Saudi Arabia opened a consulate in the Iraqi capital during a two-day visit by a Saudi delegation, which includes the minister of commerce and investment, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry described it as "a practical indication of enhancing communication between Baghdad and Riyadh."� �
"Within the framework of the opening of the new consulate of Saudi Arabia in Baghdad today, Iraq will take reciprocal efforts. It is possible that we will witness the coordination with the Saudi side on the opening of the Iraqi consulate in certain eastern regions of Saudi Arabia," Sahhaf said.
The spokesman stressed that this would contribute to boosting trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The Saudi state television reported on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud would provide Iraq $1 billion to build a sports city in Baghdad.
Saudi Arabia has been seeking to improve ties with Iraq to counter Iran's regional influence.
