Saudi Arabia to appoint new Iraq envoy

 

Saudi Arabia to appoint new Iraq envoy
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir delivers his speech during the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 19, 2017

Baghdad - Jubeir's visit to Baghdad is the first by a Saudi foreign minister since 1990

By Reuters

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Published: Sat 25 Feb 2017, 4:42 PM

Last updated: Sat 25 Feb 2017, 6:46 PM

 Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir told Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Saturday that the kingdom plans to appoint a new ambassador, an Iraqi foreign ministry official said.
Iraq last year asked Saudi Arabia to replace its ambassador, Thamer al-Sabhan, after his comments about Iranian involvement in Iraqi affairs and alleged persecution of Sunni Muslims angered local Muslim politicians and militia leaders.
Jubeir's visit to Baghdad is the first by a Saudi foreign minister since 1990.
On his visit, Jubeir met his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim a-Jaafari and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
Sabhan was the first ambassador appointed by Saudi Arabia after it reopened its embassy in Baghdad in 2015 following a 25-year break.
Saudi Arabia has long accused Iraq of being too close to Iran, its main regional rival, and of encouraging sectarian discrimination, a charge Baghdad denies.
 


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