BAGHDAD: Qatar will open an embassy in Baghdad, Iraq’s foreign minister said yesterday, in the latest sign of improving relations between Gulf Arab countries and Iraq.
“We have agreed to open the Qatari embassy in Baghdad to begin resuming diplomatic work,” Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari told a joint news conference held with Qatari Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah.
Tensions between the Sunni Muslim-ruled states of the Gulf and Iraq, which has a Shia majority, have eased since Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi took office last year.
A rapprochement could help strengthen a regional alliance against Islamic State militants who have seized vast areas in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria.
Saudi Arabia also signalled its intention to reopen an embassy in Baghdad earlier this year and has invited Abadi to visit the kingdom.AGENCIES
