Riyadh: Iraq rejects any violation of its sovereignty and will not allow its territory to be used to threaten neighboring states, the director of the office of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, said on Thursday during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

According to Iraqi News Agency, a statement by the spokesman for the commander-in-chief, Sabah Al-Nu’man, noted that, on the instructions of Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, a high-level security delegation led by Al-Shammari visited Saudi Arabia. The delegation included National Intelligence Service chief Hamid Al-Shatari, Counter-Terrorism Service commander Lieutenant General Zaid Hawshi Al-Mousawi, and Air Defence commander Lieutenant General Muhannad Al-Asadi.

The statement mentioned that the visit was a follow-up to a visit by a Saudi delegation to Iraq last Friday. The Iraqi delegation met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at his office in Riyadh, with General Intelligence Presidency chief Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan, Chief of the General Staff General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Joint Forces Commander Lieutenant General Fahd bin Hamed Al-Salman, and Defence Minister’s adviser for intelligence affairs Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif in attendance.

Discussions during the meeting focused on Iraqi-Saudi military and defence cooperation, international border security, security and intelligence coordination, and regional developments. Both sides emphasized the need for ongoing coordination and cooperation to serve mutual interests and enhance regional security and stability.

The Saudi defense minister affirmed the kingdom’s unwavering support for Iraq’s security, stability, development, and prosperity, in the interests of Iraq and its people, according to the statement.

Lieutenant General Al-Shammari expressed appreciation for the brotherly ties between the two countries and reiterated Iraq’s firm position against threatening neighboring states or allowing its territory to be used against any neighboring country. He also highlighted Iraq’s rejection of any violation of its sovereignty, its respect for the sovereignty of its neighbors, and its strong commitment to regional security. Al-Shammari emphasized Iraq’s desire to strengthen joint cooperation, coordination, and bilateral relations.