Key facts
- Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman met with Iraqi official Abdul Amir Al-Shammari.
- The meeting occurred despite recent US-Saudi strikes in Iraq.
- The strikes, on July 29, reportedly killed 20 militants.
- Riyadh stated the strikes targeted drones aimed at oil facilities.
- Bin Salman described Iraq as a 'cherished neighbour' and stressed cooperation.
Saudi Arabia's defence minister, Khalid bin Salman, met with Iraq's Director of the Office of the Commander in Chief, Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, on Thursday, describing Iraq as a "cherished neighbour" despite recent US-Saudi strikes on Iraqi territory. The July 29 strikes, which officials from the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance said killed 20 militants including five Iranians, were attributed by Riyadh to Iran-backed groups targeting oil facilities. During the meeting, Bin Salman and Al-Shammari reviewed military and defence relations between the two countries and discussed regional developments. Bin Salman emphasized the importance of continued coordination and cooperation to serve mutual interests and ensure regional security and stability. This visit marked the first announced by an Iraqi security official to Saudi Arabia since the July strikes led to the cancellation of a planned trip by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.