RIYADH — The first meeting of the Saudi Iraqi Political, Security and Military Affairs Committee, held in Riyadh, agreed to strengthen security and military cooperation between the two countries. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Al-Assaf and his Iraqi counterpart Mohammad Ali Al-Hakim, was held on the sidelines of the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi.

During the visit, Abdul Mahdi held on Wednesday wide ranging talks with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense. The King and Abdul Mahdi discussed ways to enhance and develop bilateral relations to serve the interests of both the two countries and their peoples.

A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed in various fields in the framework of the meeting of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordinating Council.

King Salman and Abdul Mahdi stressed historical, religious and social relations between the two countries and the importance of investing political, historical and religious heritage and strengthening relations in line with the directives of the two leaderships.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince and the Iraqi prime minister discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and the latest developments at regional and international arenas and agreed to continue consultation and coordination to enhance the unity of Arab ranks and the joint Arab action. — SG/SPA