On the eve of his visit to Riyadh, Al-Zaydi said: “We want a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.”
On the eve of his visit to Riyadh, Al-Zaydi said: “We want a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.”
2026-10-13
Shafaq News – Baghdad/Riyadh
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi stressed on Tuesday the need to adopt a flexible diplomacy and a more crisis-resistant economy, while also pointing to the importance of the partnership with Saudi Arabia.
Al-Zaydi said in an article published in the newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat”, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, that the review of the various branches of the armed forces and security formations on Sovereignty Day reflects the great responsibility in preserving Iraq’s security and stability, stressing that sovereignty is not just an occasion for celebration, but a daily responsibility related to managing the affairs of the state, protecting the interests of its people, and regulating its relations with its regional and global surroundings.
He added that Iraq needs an approach based on flexible diplomacy and a flexible economy, pointing to the strategic importance of Iraqi-Saudi relations, in light of the political and economic weight of the two countries and the Arab ties and common geographical, economic and security interests between them.
Al-Zaydi pointed out that Baghdad and Riyadh have made tangible progress in rebuilding trust and opening channels of cooperation, which provides a basis for moving to a more advanced stage in bilateral relations.
He stressed that the security of Iraq and the stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are not separate issues, but rather form part of a broader equation for the security of the Gulf and the stability of the region, emphasizing the need to respect mutual sovereignty and the right of each country to make its decisions in accordance with its national interests.
He explained that Iraq’s geographical location and the diversity of its regional and international relations give it an opportunity to play the role of a bridge for communication and a meeting point for dialogue, rather than being an arena for competition and conflict or a launching pad for threatening neighboring countries.
Al-Zaydi pointed out the possibility of Iraq playing the role of mediator between regional powers through dialogue, explaining that this requires a balanced approach to relations, avoiding alignment with competing axes, and adopting a policy of keeping Iraq neutral from conflicts.
On the economic front, the Prime Minister pointed out that the disruptions to markets, trade, and energy supplies resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have damaged the region’s economies, and stressed the need to diversify trade routes and not be dependent on a single route or exceptional circumstance.
He noted Iraq’s need for a more flexible economy based on diversifying income sources, expanding trade outlets, developing transport and infrastructure, strengthening industry and agriculture, and opening the way for the private sector and investment.
Al-Zaydi continued, saying that the development road project, along with trade and transportation links with the Gulf countries, represents an important opportunity to expand Iraq’s economic role and connect it to regional and international markets.
He stressed that Iraq’s stability is fundamental to the success of any partnership, explaining that attracting investments requires a stable state, clear laws, and institutions capable of protecting rights and implementing contracts, as well as combating corruption, simplifying procedures, and strengthening the rule of law.
Al-Zaydi concluded by saying that Iraq and Saudi Arabia can establish a new phase of rapprochement based on partnership and joint planning, noting that stable relations between Baghdad and Riyadh can form a cornerstone for achieving broader stability and greater integration in the Gulf and the region.
Al-Zaidi is scheduled to begin his Gulf tour next Wednesday with a visit to Saudi Arabia, before heading to Kuwait, after a planned visit to Riyadh last July was cancelled due to the rapidly evolving security situation in the region.
shafaq.com
