By Khalid Aftab

Saudi Gazette

RIYADH — Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Finance Minister Ali Allawi’s visit to the Kingdom has given a new impetus to the long-standing relations between the two countries.

The Iraqi deputy premier, who was here on Saturday, was warmly received by top Saudi ministers and had constructive talks with them on a wide range of issues, including the need for stable global energy markets.

Commenting on the high-profile visit by a top Iraqi minister, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman described Iraq as a “strong and resurgent pillar of the Arab world” in a tweet on Saturday.

“We hope that Iraq will regain its status as one of the strong and resurgent pillars of the Arab world, for its people to live the life they deserve with peace and prosperity,” Prince Khalid tweeted.

“The Kingdom stands with Iraq to support it on its path to progress, peace, and brotherhood with its Arab neighbors, which is in the interest of Iraq and its dear people.”

Prince Khalid’s remarks came after Saudi Arabia announced that it would be sending back its ambassador to Iraq soon.

The move was announced on the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and following a meeting between Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan with the visiting Iraqi deputy premier.

Prince Faisal also took to Twitter to describe his interactions with the Iraqi minister.

“In Riyadh, I met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Ali Allawi, who was happy to visit his second country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, we discussed the distinguished brotherly relations between the two countries and the Kingdom’s keenness for Iraq’s stability and development, and we look forward to working with (each other) God willing,” Prince Faisal tweeted.

Minister of Commerce and Acting Minister of Media Majid Al-Qasabi also commented on the visit of the Iraqi minister.

In a tweet after Allawi left for Baghdad, Al-Qasabi said: “I had the honor to meet Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Ali Allawi, welcoming him in his second country and among his family. We explored a joint action to enhance trade ties and take our bilateral relations to new horizons in order to serve our two brotherly peoples.”