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Saudis Open Consulate in Iraq in Sign of Warmer Ties

by Associated Press

   BAGHDAD --

   Iraq says Saudi Arabia has opened a consulate in Baghdad for the first
   time in nearly 30 years in a sign of improving ties.

   The consulate, which will issue visas to Iraqis, was opened during a
   two-day visit by a delegation headed by the Saudi minister of commerce
   and investment, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi.

   Riyadh seeks closer ties to Iraq in an effort to counter Iran's growing
   regional influence.

   Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Sahhaf said the consulate was
   opened Thursday inside the heavily fortified Green Zone. He says the
   move is expected to benefit both countries.

   Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi is visiting Iran on Saturday,
   and plans to visit Saudi Arabia later this month.

   Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iraq when it invaded Kuwait in 1990.