The defense ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iraq have met in Riyadh to sign a military agreement following discussions on security and cooperation amid increasing tensions.
The pact outlines “plans for joint training exercises between the Iraqi and Saudi forces and provisions to send injured Iraqi soldiers for treatment in Saudi Arabia,” Iraqi news agency Shafak reported.
Iraq’s Minister of Defense Thabet Mohammed Al-Abbasi said that “the visit is part of Iraq’s efforts to enhance regional cooperation with neighboring countries,” Shafak wrote.
The meeting, which included senior military officials and diplomats from both countries, also exchange “views on regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions, and addressed other topics of mutual interest,” stated Saudi Arabia’s state news agency.
Saudi Arabia is actively modernizing its military and strengthening its international defense alliances.
Within the framework of its Vision 2030 initiative, the kingdom is encouraging foreign defense firms to establish local offices in Saudi Arabia to foster partnerships and develop its domestic defense capabilities.
Moreover, Riyadh aims to localize 50 percent of its defense spending, focusing on increasing the production of military equipment and support services within the country to boost self-reliance.
Regional Instability
The Middle East continues to face escalating tensions, with regional powers warning of a potential surge in hostilities, including a possible worsening of the retaliation cycles between Iran and Israel.
Baghdad finds itself in a challenging position to maintain stability as it has long-standing relationships with both Tehran and Washington.
In August, a rocket attack targeted a military base in Iraqi territory, injuring several US personnel.
Last month, during a meeting with Iraqi and Iranian officials to discuss regional security, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid emphasized that “Iraq will not tolerate any attempts to use its territory as a base for aggression against neighboring nations.”
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