Iraqi, Saudi ministries of defenses: memorandum of understanding agreed, signed

As well as discussing and conferring on the rising tensions, security and stabilities of the whole region were equally important parts in the session.

Iraqi Defense Minister, Mr. Thabit al-Abbasi (L), Saudi HE Prince Khalid bin Salman (R). (Photo: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence/ Saudi Press Agency SPA)
Iraqi Defense Minister, Mr. Thabit al-Abbasi (L), Saudi HE Prince Khalid bin Salman (R). (Photo: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence/ Saudi Press Agency SPA)

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi met with his Saudi counterpart, HE the Prince Khalid bin Salman, in the presence of Iraq’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Safia al-Suhail, in Riyadh on Monday, November 4th, 2024.

In a statement, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense stated that the visit is a part of countries’ efforts to enhance the regional cooperation and coordination among the neighborhood.

The meeting was attended by senior Saudi and Iraqi military and diplomatic officials, in which focusing on boosting defense-cooperations, reviewing bilateral relations between the two countries and exchanging views to enhance the current relationships.

As well as discussing and conferring on the rising tensions, security and stabilities of the whole region were equally important parts in the session.

The parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Saudi and Iraqi defense ministries to solidify that cooperation in the military matter.

According to both sources from both ministries, the MoU establishes a framework to strengthen the collaboration in military, allow Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address concerned security issues, more effectively also challenges, furthermore, including pursuing mutual goals in defense.  

However, according to the Iraqi media outlet added "the agreement includes joint military training between the two armies and sending over wounded Iraqi soldiers to Saudi Arabia to receive treatment”

Based on the Iraqi media comments, the session focused on bolstering bilateral relations, regional security developments, and joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. 

Prepared and translated by Seyran