The Saudi Embassy in Baghdad will soon begin granting visas to those wishing to visit the Kingdom

Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari received the credentials of the new Saudi ambassador to Iraq, Abdulaziz bin Khalid al-Shammari.

On August 28, 2016, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry formally asked its Saudi counterpart to replace Thamer al-Sabhan as its ambassador in Baghdad, about seven months after taking office.

The request came a week after al-Sbahan accused the Popular Popular Militia militia of being behind a plot to assassinate him, as well as his repeated criticism of Iran’s role, influence and interference in Iraq.

The ministry said in a statement: “Jaafari received on Monday the credentials of the new Saudi ambassador to Iraq, Abdul Aziz bin Khalid al-Shammari.”

Adding that “during the receipt of the credentials reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them in the interest of both countries.”

“Iraq pays particular attention to the development of bilateral relations with Riyadh in all fields, and turning them into reality, and Iraq has good investment opportunities for Saudi Arabia,” Jaafari said.

The statement also quoted the new Saudi ambassador as expressing his country’s keenness to “develop bilateral relations and upgrade them to meet the aspirations of both countries.”

Shammari pointed out that his country “intends to open consulates in (Madinaty) Najaf and Basra, and the establishment of the Trade Coordination Council between the two countries with the aim of achieving bilateral trade partnership.” Pointing out that the Embassy of Riyadh in Baghdad will soon begin to grant the attributes of entry to Iraqis wishing to visit the Kingdom.

Basnews.com