Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Saudi Minister of Defense, received Thabet Mohammed Al-Abbasi, Iraqi Minister of Defense. Iraq’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Safia al-Suhail, attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed enhancing defense cooperation and their countries’ relations.  They exchanged views on regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions and addressed other topics of mutual interest, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The two Ministers concluded the meeting with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to solidify cooperation in the military field.

Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit Al-Abbasi arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, leading a high-level security delegation.

“The discussions focused on bolstering bilateral relations, regional security developments, and joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region,” the statement added.

In addition, key topics included plans for joint training exercises between the Iraqi and Saudi forces and provisions to send injured Iraqi soldiers for treatment in Saudi Arabia.

In another development, the Iraqi Minister of Defense Minister of Defense Mr. Thabet Mohammed Al-Abbasi chaired last week, at the Ministry’s headquarters, the fourth session of the Defense Council, which was concerned with the schedule for the promotion of Ministry Officers who are eligible for promotion and referral to retirement for the January 2025 schedule.

The session was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, the Secretary-General, the Assistants to the Chief of Staff, the Commanders of the Arms and Branches, as well as the Heads of the Directorates of the Ministry of Defense. (SPA; Iraq Defense Ministry; Photo © Iraq Defense Ministry)