Iraq is preparing to host an Arab League summit at the end of March that has been twice delayed by regional turmoil and acrimony between Baghdad and some Arab Gulf states.
“For the first time since 1990, the Saudis have named an ambassador to Iraq. This is a very positive development,” Zebari told Reuters, without elaborating.
Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Osama Nugali said: “We nominated our ambassador in Jordan as ambassador for Iraq as well, but he will not be residing in Iraq.”
A successful summit in Baghdad would help restore Iraq’s place in the Arab World and perhaps contribute to allaying Gulf states’ concerns about Iran’s influence in post-war Iraq.
Iraq will quickly approve the nomination of the non-resident Saudi ambassador.
“Iraq’s response accepting this request will be quick,” Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki’s spokesman Ali Mussawi told AFP.
“The Iraqi government welcomes this step, and we consider it a first step, and we are waiting for more steps,” such as “the appointment of a resident ambassador in the country,” he said.
