Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for his first visit to Saudi Arabia since assuming office in May. During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he delivered a firm assurance that Iraq would not serve as a launching pad for attacks against the kingdom or its neighbours.
According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Zaidi said: “Iraq’s firm position is not to allow its territory to be used as a launching pad for any attacks or actions that affect the security of the kingdom and the countries of the region, and to be keen on adhering to the principles of good neighbourliness and respecting the sovereignty of Iraq and brotherly and friendly countries.”
The visit comes in the wake of a drone attack last month on Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, which forced Riyadh to temporarily shut down the export route. The pipeline, which has a maximum capacity of seven million barrels per day, has since resumed operations. Saudi Arabia has used the pipeline as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghdad concluded after its own investigation that the strikes were launched from Iraqi territory. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Iraq is home to numerous Iran-backed armed groups.