The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated in an official statement that the Saudi and Iraqi Defense Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding and joint military cooperation between Riyadh and Baghdad.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in the defense field. They discussed developments in the Middle East region and the efforts made to reduce the escalation and its repercussions in a way that contributes to maintaining its security and stability. They also discussed issues of common interest between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The reception and signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding were attended from the Saudi side by Prince Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad bin Ayyaf, Deputy Minister of Defence, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamid Al-Ruwaili, Assistant Minister of Defense Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Director General Office of the Minister of Defense, Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, and the Military Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Baghdad, Brigadier General Nasser bin Talib Al-Saadoun.
It was also attended from the Iraqi side by the Assistant Chief of Staff of the Army for Al Meera, Lieutenant General Hamid Anad Hammadi, the Iraqi Ambassador to Ar-Rusad Safiya Talib Al-Suhail, the Assistant Chief of Staff of the Army for Training, Lieutenant General Hamid Muhammad Kamer, the Director of the Office of the Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Ghaleb Karim Abboud, and the head of the Legal Department in the Ministry of Defense. Lieutenant General Khaled Jabbar Ismail, and the military attaché at the Iraqi Embassy in Riyadh, Major General Daoud Al-Samarrai.
Source: RT + SPA
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**Interview with Dr. Ahmed al-Hashimi, Middle East Security Analyst**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Dr. al-Hashimi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important development.
**Editor:** To start, can you explain the significance of this MoU for Saudi-Iraqi relations?
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** Absolutely. The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal moment in Saudi-Iraqi relations, particularly in the realm of defense. It signals a commitment from both nations to enhance their military collaboration and address shared security concerns, especially in the context of regional instability and the evolving security landscape in the Middle East.
**Editor:** What are some of the key areas of collaboration that this agreement is likely to cover?
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** The MoU is expected to encompass various aspects, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and strategic planning. Both nations have common interests in combating extremist groups and ensuring border security, which will be central to their military cooperation.
**Editor:** How does this agreement impact the broader security situation in the Middle East?
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** This cooperation could have a stabilizing effect on the region. By working together, Saudi Arabia and Iraq can create a more united front against threats, which is crucial in light of ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries. It may also encourage other regional players to pursue similar partnerships, fostering a collaborative approach to security.
**Editor:** What challenges do you foresee in implementing this MoU?
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** There are several challenges, including differing strategic priorities and historical tensions between the two countries. Additionally, internal political dynamics within Iraq, including influences from Iran, may complicate the execution of the agreement. Building trust and effectively coordinating military efforts will be essential.
**Editor:** what should we look out for in the coming months regarding this agreement?
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** I think we should watch for the establishment of specific joint initiatives or training programs. Any movements towards operational collaboration will signal the seriousness of this agreement. Additionally, pay attention to how this partnership evolves in response to changing regional dynamics and whether it leads to more significant collaboration with other regional players.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. al-Hashimi. This MoU certainly paves the way for a new chapter in military cooperation in the region.
**Dr. al-Hashimi:** Thank you for having me. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
