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The discussion focused on enhancing relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq as well as coordination on matters of common concern, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Dr. Fuad Hussein explored opportunities to further develop their countries’ partnership across multiple sectors. The call reflects the regular high-level communication that has become a feature of Saudi-Iraqi diplomacy in recent years.
A statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency noted that the ministers agreed on the importance of continued dialogue to address regional challenges. It added that the conversation covered the latest developments in the Middle East. Such phone calls often serve to align positions ahead of broader international forums, building on a series of earlier engagements.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq have improved markedly since 2017 when the two countries reopened the Arar border crossing after a long closure, Asharq Al-Awsat has reported in multiple dispatches. The move paved the way for the establishment of a Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council that has overseen agreements in trade, investment and energy. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has participated in several meetings under this framework over the past years.
During a meeting on the sidelines of a Jerusalem ministerial conference in Amman earlier this month, the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That encounter, like the August 18 telephone conversation, emphasized mutual support for stability and security across the region. The frequency of these interactions demonstrates the depth of engagement between Riyadh and Baghdad.
The two countries, as major oil producers, have collaborated within OPEC to stabilize global energy markets, a joint effort documented in statements from both foreign ministries. They have also progressed on an electricity interconnection project designed to export Saudi power to Iraq and alleviate energy shortages there, according to previous announcements from government entities in both nations. These initiatives form part of a broader economic partnership that includes plans for increased investment flows.
Security issues have formed a recurring theme in their talks, with both sides stressing the need to counter terrorism and prevent the use of territory for threats against neighbors, as detailed in coverage by Reuters on prior meetings. Prince Faisal bin Farhan has publicly expressed the Kingdom’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty and reconstruction efforts in various forums. The latest call is expected to reinforce that longstanding position amid evolving regional dynamics.
