Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Finance and Oil Dr. Ali Allawi and his accompanying delegation arrived here on Friday evening.

The Iraqi minister was received by Saudi Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Economy and Planning Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Commerce and Acting Minister of Media Majid Al-Qasabi, Iraq’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Qahtan Taha Khalaf, and a representative of the Royal Protocol, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The visit of deputy premier is the first high-profile trip to the Kingdom by an Iraqi official after the formation of a new government in Baghdad led by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

The visit assumes significance in the backdrop of the recent efforts made by Saudi Arabia and its allies along with Russia to ensure the stability of oil prices in the world market.

Iraq is one of the key players in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.