New Saudi Ambassador to Baghdad Abdulaziz bin Khalid al-Shammari expressed keenness on Monday to develop bilateral ties with Iraq and improve them to meet the ambitions of both countries. He affirmed that Saudi Arabia intends to open two consulates in Najaf and Basra, and to establish a Saudi-Iraqi coordination council for trade between the two countries. Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari received Shammari’s credentials, welcomethe ambassador and wishing him success in his mission in Baghdad, revealed a statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. The meeting showcased bilateral ties and possible ways to boost them in a way that serves both nations’ interests. Jaafari expressed the ministry’s will to provide facilities that guarantee the success of the Saudi diplomatic mission in Iraq. Iraq prioritizes “the development of bilateral ties in all fields and transforming them into a tangible reality. There are also new investment opportunities in Iraq that would interest the kingdom,” said Jaafari. During the past months, Iraqi-Saudi ties have been progressing since the agreement of both parties to establish the coordination council, following the visit of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to the kingdom earlier this year. Meanwhile, Iraqs Minister of Youth and Sports Abdul-Hussein Abtaan announced on Sunday signing a cooperation protocol between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in fields of youth and sports. Ali al-Atwani, head of media bureau in Ministry of Youth and Sports, declared to Asharq Al-Awsat that agreements signed by Abtaan with the Saudi party falls within the coordination council that covers all fields, including sports. Iraqi Parliament Speaker Salim Jabbouri met on Sunday with Shammari and discussed updates on the Arab and regional levels as well as the importance of cooperation to face the challenges.