Saudi embassy in Baghdad expresses readiness to attend Arab Summit

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Parliamentary Foreign Relations Commission member Arkan Zebari described Saudi initiative to open its embassy in Iraq as “positive step to develop bilateral relation,” expressing his country’s readiness to attend the Arab Summit due in Baghdad. Zebari pointed out to IraqiNews.com that “this initiative is welcomed by Iraq, but we hope that other countries, including the Gulf countries, will open their embassies before the Summit”. He disclosed that Iraq has completed procedures to host the coming Arab Summit. Commenting on the national conference effects on the Arab Summit, he confirmed that “the National Conference is an internal affair, and has no relation to the Arab leaders’ meeting”. It was decided that the Arab Summit shall be held in Baghdad at the end of March next, which matter is regarded by Iraqi officials “as prelude to gain Iraqi role in the region and the Arab world”. RM (TS)/SR 398