EU’s Borrell hails Baghdad conference as ‘important diplomatic achievement’

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has hailed the recent Baghdad conference, which aimed at promoting regional de-escalation and dialog, as an “important diplomatic achievement,” saying Iraq is key to promoting stability between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

In a blog post published on the website of the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Saturday, Borrell wrote that the EU strongly supports Iraq’s efforts to foster regional solutions to regional tensions.

Last month, Iraq hosted the Baghdad International Conference “For Cooperation and Participation” aimed at easing tensions in the region.

The Baghdad conference brought Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, among other countries, together to discuss a host of issues, including the war in Yemen, the severe economic and political situation in Lebanon, and a détente in Tehran-Riyadh relations which were severed in 2016.

“Iraq is key for promoting security and stability among the regional powers: Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as Turkey,” Borrell noted. “The conference brought them all to the same table.”

“This is not a given and was an important diplomatic achievement by [Iraqi] Prime Minister Kadhimi,” he added.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, the Iraqi premier said the conference represented “a new impetus” for Iraq in consolidating its foreign relations with the countries of the region and the world.

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Meanwhile, the top European diplomat also argued that improvements at the regional level would help create the conditions for Iraq to unlock its potential and become a country able to take advantage of its generous oil revenues, implement economic and administrative reforms, and consolidate its federal system.

Iraq has also hosted three rounds of direct talks between Iranian and Saudi delegations. The fourth round, however, has been postponed to a time convenient to both sides.

Late in April, Tehran welcomed “a change in Saudi Arabia’s tone” towards the Islamic Republic, as observed in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s earlier interview, during which he said he wanted to have a “good and distinguished relationship” with Iran, striking a different tone from Riyadh’s usual demonization of Tehran.

Iran’s new president, Ebrahim Raeisi, has reaffirmed the country’s policy to promote ties with neighbors and regional countries and has made dialogue with neighbors one of his administration’s priorities.

Raeisi has also welcomed a thaw in Tehran-Riyadh ties and said “there is no impediment to the [establishment of] relations with Saudi Arabia and all the countries in the region.”

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