Mohammed Al-Halbousi was speaking after a meeting with King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

:: Iraq’s parliamentary speaker said on Monday that Saudi Arabia had played a major role in supporting Iraq in its “war on terror” and has backed the country through a “difficult stage.”

Mohammed Al-Halbousi was speaking after a meeting with King Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, and said: “Saudi Arabia had a major role in supporting Iraq in its war against terrorist organizations, especially Daesh.

“Iraq has passed a difficult stage thanks to the support of Saudi Arabia, which contributed to the expulsion of ISIS from many regions and cities in Iraq,” he added.

The king and Al-Halbousi also discussed bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries during the meeting.

The visit follows a meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iraqi president Barham Salih in November.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq have improved this year after several visits by officials from both nations to Riyadh and Baghdad.