Iraqi Embassy Reopens in Riyadh

Diplomatic relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia were severed in 1990 when Saddam invaded Kuwait. Effective today, formal ties are resumed.

From Arab News:

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari reopened his country's embassy in Riyadh after 17 years as part of its efforts to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.

Speaking to reporters, the minister emphasized the need for exchange of wanted persons in both countries. "Some of the persons wanted by Iraq have been found in the Kingdom while some others wanted by Saudi Arabia have been arrested in Iraq," he said.

Zebari also said that there are "Saudi citizens who have been brainwashed" operating with militants in Iraq. He did not provide an estimate of the number of Saudis the Iraqi government believes are operating in Iraq. He said the two countries must coordinate better to root out expatriate insurgents in Iraq and potential terrorists in the Kingdom.

Wanted persons are certainly important but there is a multitude of other issues regarding the Middle East and Southwest Asia that are of interest to both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Open dialogue will allow for increased cooperation and coordination in pursuing common interests.

Additionally, with regard to perception, it's clear that the re-opening of the embassy helps further the legitimacy of the new Iraqi administration within the region and beyond.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.