Qatari top diplomat in Iraq to discuss regional tension

Visit aims to reduce tension in region following US assassination of top Iranian commander

By Amir al-Saadi

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AA) - Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday to discuss recent tension in the region following the U.S. assassination of Iran's Quds Forces chief Qasem Soleimani earlier this month.

Al Thani will meet top Iraqi leaders to discuss the latest regional developments following Soleimani's assassination and the escalated U.S.-Iran tension.

He is expected to meet with his Iraqi counterpart Mohamed Ali al-Hakim, President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad al-Halbousi.

Last Wednesday, Al Thani said Qatar is following the developments in Iraq and will work with other countries to reduce the tension.

Later on Sunday, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad visited Tehran and held talks with senior Iranian officials including Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.

The tension escalated on Jan. 3 when the U.S. assassinated Soleimani in Baghdad, and then Iran retaliated on Jan. 8 with firing rockets on two military bases in Iraq.

* Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara.

Kaynak:

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