Iraqi Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi met with Saudi Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, in Riyadh on Monday to discuss enhanced regional security cooperation and solidify defense ties between the two countries. Iraq's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Safia al-Suhail, also attended the high-level meeting, alongside senior Saudi and Iraqi military and diplomatic officials.

In a statement, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense emphasized that this visit is part of broader efforts to improve regional collaboration and coordination among neighboring countries. During the talks, officials reviewed Saudi-Iraqi bilateral relations and exchanged views on measures to strengthen existing ties.

The session addressed a variety of regional security concerns, including the rising tensions affecting the Middle East. Both parties underscored the importance of promoting stability and peace throughout the region, while also exploring ways to jointly manage emerging security challenges.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Iraqi and Saudi defense ministries. This agreement establishes a formal framework for deeper cooperation in defense matters, allowing both countries to coordinate more effectively on security issues, pursue common defense goals, and respond to regional challenges.

According to Iraqi media sources, the MoU includes plans for joint military training exercises and arrangements to send injured Iraqi soldiers to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment. These initiatives are expected to further strengthen the collaborative efforts between the Saudi and Iraqi armed forces.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to bolstering relations and working together on initiatives to de-escalate tensions, underscoring the critical role of Saudi-Iraqi cooperation in regional security.