Saudi Crown Prince meets Iraqi PM in Riyadh after deadly Houthi airport attack

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi in Riyadh on Wednesday, marking the first visit by a foreign leader to the Saudi capital since a deadly Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport. The Saudi Press Agency released footage and photos from the meeting, which focused on regional developments and security coordination.

The meeting covered strengthening cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with an emphasis on security matters. The Saudi side reaffirmed its commitment to expanding collaboration with Iraq across various fields, including security coordination, according to Spa.

Al Zaidi’s visit came amid a wave of Houthi strikes against Saudi targets, including the Riyadh airport attack that killed 13 people. Authorities have closed King Khalid Airport until October 17, with some flights to the kingdom cancelled. It is not stated how Al Zaidi traveled to Saudi Arabia for this visit.

Al Zaidi condemned the attack on King Khalid Airport and stressed Iraq’s stance that its territory should not be used to launch attacks on Saudi Arabia or other countries. He reiterated Iraq’s commitment to regional security and described coordination with Saudi Arabia as part of stabilizing the region.

The discussion also touched on Iraqi–Saudi relations and ways to enhance cooperation, including on security. The Saudi Crown Prince offered support for Iraq’s efforts to promote dialogue and regional stability, as reported by Spa.

In commentary published ahead of the meeting, Al Zaidi highlighted the strategic importance of Iraqi–Saudi relations given both nations’ regional influence and shared security interests, suggesting a path toward closer ties and joint planning. The two countries have pursued steps to rebuild trust and expand bilateral cooperation.