Iraqi president leaves Baghdad on first Gulf tour, heads to Kuwait

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi President Barham Salih on Sunday left Baghdad, heading a Gulf tour as his first official visit abroad since taking office last month.

Kuwait will be the first stop on Salih’s Gulf tour, according to his press office.

He is expected to meet with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral relations between the two neighboring states, the statement added.

After Kuwait, Salih is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries.

The purpose of the president’s tour is to “build strong relations with the Arab and Gulf states and deepen existing ties and cooperation” regarding the economy and shared culture of the region.

Washington is counting on its Gulf Arab allies to shoulder part of the burden of rebuilding Iraq following the war against the Islamic State (IS). The US also wants to see a Gulf rapprochement with Baghdad to weaken Iran’s influence in the country.

Editing by Nadia Riva