Iraqi PM meets Saudi intelligence chief in Baghdad, receives new Riyadh visit invitation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi received Saudi Arabia's Head of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali al-Humaidan in Baghdad, where the Saudi official conveyed an invitation from the Saudi leadership for a new visit to Riyadh. The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation and coordination in the framework of regional security developments, according to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office. The invitation comes after a period of tension triggered by U.S. and Saudi warplanes striking Iran-linked weapons and logistics sites in eastern Iraq. Al-Zaydi had earlier cancelled a planned trip to Riyadh in response to the strikes, before regional and international mediation efforts were launched to repair ties. The Iraqi prime minister reiterated his government's commitment to deepening cooperation with Saudi Arabia and contributing to regional security and stability. He also reaffirmed Baghdad's position of preventing the use of Iraqi territory for operations against neighboring countries and safeguarding national sovereignty. Both sides agreed to maintain information-sharing and joint mechanisms between their security institutions. The upcoming Riyadh visit is expected to cover security, economic and investment files. No date for the trip has been announced.