BAGHDAD, June 18 (KUNA) -- Iraq and Saudi Arabia collectively called for the de-escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip amid talks between Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Sudani and Saudi Trade Minister Majid Al-Qasabi on Tuesday.
Baghdad and Riyadh backed all efforts aiming to halt the surging violence in the Palestinian enclave, subsequently allowing the delivery of urgent aid through "humanitarian corridors," according to a statement by the Iraqi prime minister's office.
Bilateral relations, covering an array of fields running the gamut from military cooperation to political and trade ties, was chief among the matters discussed, added the statement, heaping praise on Saudi Arabia for its strenuous efforts to ensure the success of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage.
The Saudi minister expressed the Gulf Arab kingdom's desire to improve ties with Baghdad, saying it would serve the best interests of the two nations, said the statement. (end) ahh.nam