Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi Emphasises Sovereignty and Stability in Saudi Relations

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, pictured by INA, wrote an article for Asharq Al-Awsat in which he underlined the significance of state sovereignty and regional stability for the country’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Sovereignty as a Daily Duty

He said, quoting him directly: “As I stood on Sovereignty Day, surveying our armed forces and security units, I was acutely aware of the enormous duty we owe to the Iraqi people in maintaining their security and stability,” al-Zaidi said.

He explained that sovereignty is not merely a ceremonial occasion but a continual responsibility that shapes how the government operates, safeguards citizens’ interests and manages its foreign relations with neighbouring states and the wider world. He added that true sovereignty goes beyond possessing conventional instruments of power; it also requires the capability to build effective international partnerships. He stressed that Iraq must pursue a foreign policy grounded in active diplomacy and backed by a robust economy.

Iraqi-Saudi Partnership

Al-Zaidi pointed out that the Iraqi‑Saudi relationship matters because both nations carry considerable political and economic weight, share Arab ties and have overlapping geographic, economic and security concerns. He noted that the two countries have made clear progress in restoring confidence and launching joint initiatives, which he described as essential for strengthening bilateral cooperation. He added that Iraq’s security and Saudi Arabia’s stability are together vital for preserving peace among the Gulf States and maintaining regional balance. He also affirmed that Iraq respects the sovereignty of other states while expecting the same regard for its own.

Iraq’s Mediating Role and Future Outlook

According to al-Zaidi, Iraq’s geographic position and its varied regional and international connections allow it to act as a conduit for dialogue rather than a source of conflict or a base for threats against neighbours. He said Iraq can serve as a mediator that brings regional powers together through communication, but this function depends on maintaining balanced ties that avoid alignment with rival blocs and preserve Iraq’s neutrality in disputes. He clarified that Iraq and Saudi Arabia could be entering a new phase of rapprochement centred on partnership and joint planning, and that the steadiness of the Baghdad‑Riyadh link is crucial for achieving wider regional stability and integration.