LOC20:01
17:01 GMT
JEDDAH, June 20 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia and Iraq have agreed to boost joint action to overcome security and political challenges, namely countering extremism and terrorism facing the Arab and Muslim nations, the two countries said on Tuesday.
In a joint statement issued after a visit by Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, the two countries stressed the importance of drying up sources of funding terrorism, as well as commitment to the relevant agreements and pledges.
They also expressed resolve to continue exerting efforts to combat the terrorist organizations, mainly the so-called Islamic State (IS) whose acts have been affecting people in the two nations, the statement said.
They condemned acts tampering with security and stability of the two countries, and the entire region, affirming the need to discard hate, violence, sectarian discrimination and fomenting of ideology, it noted.
The two countries are keen on boosting their brotherly relations to meet mutual interests, and underlined the significance of enhancing peace and security in the region, it pointed out.
They agreed to establish a coordination council to upgrade relations to the aspired strategic level and to open up new horizons of cooperation in various fields, including political, security, economic, developmental, commercial, investment, tourism and cultural domains.
The would-be council will also activate the partnership between the private sector in both nations, and follow up the implementation of agreements and MoUs to achieve their common goals, it said.
Al-Abadi expressed his government's appreciation to the Kingdom for its support for the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. (end)
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