Baghdad: Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Wednesday welcomed a group of Iraqi citizens recently released by Saudi authorities, following high-level coordination between Baghdad and Riyadh.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister's Media Office said Al-Sudani received the freed citizens upon their return to Iraq aboard a special flight accompanied by an official government delegation. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring their welfare and following up on their situation until it stabilizes.

Al-Sudani praised the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and expressed appreciation for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who issued a royal pardon based on understandings reached during the recent Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha.

The Prime Minister stressed that the detainees' case had been closely monitored by the Iraqi government, the National Intelligence Service, as well as Iraq's embassy and consulate in Saudi Arabia. He also commended the efforts of the official delegation, headed by the Director of the Prime Minister's Office, in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion. Al-Sudani further underlined the importance of Iraqi travelers respecting the laws, customs, and traditions of host countries to avoid legal complications.

The families of the released citizens voiced their gratitude to the government, highlighting Al-Sudani's personal follow-up, which they said played a decisive role in securing their relatives' swift release.