Security cooperation between Baghdad and Riyadh is heading to a new stage, with an expected visit by a high-level Iraqi security delegation to Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, to discuss files, the most important of which are the attacks on the Kingdom and drones, in addition to strengthening security coordination between the two countries.
The official Iraqi News Agency reported that the delegation will include the Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir al-Shammari, the head of the Intelligence Service, Hamid al-Shatari, the Air Defense Commander, Lieutenant General Muhannad al-Asadi, and the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service, Lieutenant General Zaid Hoshi.
According to the agency, the delegation will discuss with the Saudi side a number of security files of common interest, most notably the attacks that the Kingdom was subjected to and the drone file, as well as ways to enhance security cooperation and coordination.
The visit comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received, on Friday, the head of Saudi General Intelligence, Khaled bin Ali al-Humaidan, and his accompanying delegation, stressing Baghdad’s refusal to use Iraqi territory as a launching pad for any attacks targeting other countries.
Al-Humaidan had conveyed to Al-Zaidi a message from the Saudi leadership that included a renewed invitation to him to visit Riyadh, while the two sides discussed security developments in the region and ways to enhance joint cooperation.
The two parties also agreed to continue security coordination and exchange of information between the competent authorities, in a way that enhances dealing with security challenges and spares the region the risks of escalation.
