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The Saudi Press Agency reported that Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, at his office in Riyadh. The two officials examined Saudi-Iraqi relations in the military and defense fields while addressing recent regional developments. They stressed the value of sustained coordination between the kingdoms to advance mutual interests and reinforce security across the region.
Prince Khalid bin Salman stated on the social media platform X that the sides underscored the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation between the two countries to serve common interests and achieve regional security and stability. “Iraq will remain a dear neighbor,” Prince Khalid said. “We share fraternal bonds with its government and people. Saudi Arabia will always stand by Iraq to support its security, stability, development and prosperity.”
A report by The National indicated that Al-Shammari led a high-level Iraqi delegation that also included Hamid Al-Shatri, head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, Lieutenant General Muhanad Al-Asadi, commander of air defence, and Lieutenant General Zaid Hawshi, head of the counter-terrorism service. The group arrived in the kingdom earlier on August 13 to engage on multiple security files of shared concern. Saudi officials used the occasion to reaffirm Riyadh’s backing for Baghdad’s efforts to maintain stability.
Iraqi News reported that the visit followed weeks of heightened tensions after cross-border drone incidents originating from Iraqi territory targeted Saudi oil facilities, prompting coordinated responses in late July 2026. The discussions reportedly covered air defense measures, intelligence sharing and ways to prevent militia activities from undermining bilateral relations. Prince Khalid had hosted Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan in Baghdad the previous week to lay groundwork for the current engagements.
Regional monitors have tracked a steady expansion in Saudi-Iraqi defense collaboration since the restoration of full diplomatic ties in 2015 after a 25-year break. A memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 focused on joint training and addressing common security challenges, according to Amwaj Media. The latest meeting builds on that foundation by prioritising practical coordination amid ongoing volatility in the wider Middle East.
Al Arabiya reported that Prince Khalid described the talks as productive and reiterated that Iraq would remain a key partner in pursuit of broader Gulf stability. The Saudi side emphasised support for Iraqi sovereignty and development initiatives. Such exchanges form part of a pattern of reciprocal visits that have increased in frequency over the past two years.
