Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein arrived in Iran on Tuesday to personally invite new President Ebrahim Raisi to a summit in Baghdad aimed at defusing regional tension.
Mr Hussein was expected to extend the invitation on behalf of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi at a meeting with Mr Raisi in Tehran.
“Mr Hussein will discuss with President Raisi bilateral issues between Baghdad and Tehran, as well the security situation in the region,” the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.
“He will also hand over an invitation from Mr Al Kadhimi to President Raisi to attend the summit."
The Iraqi Prime Minister's Office said on Monday that Baghdad would host a regional summit this month, with French President Emmanuel Macron agreeing to attend.
The Foreign Ministry said Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were invited, although no date had been fixed for the meeting.
Iraq this year took on a new role as mediator between Iran and Arab states to ease tension in the region. Baghdad hosted face-to-face discussions between officials from Riyadh and Tehran in early April, the first known direct talks between the countries since diplomatic ties collapsed in 2016.
The meeting indicated a possible de-escalation after years of animosity that has spilt over into neighbouring countries.
Iraq, an ally of Iran and the US, has also been the arena of a bitter rivalry between the two countries.
Iraq has been the site of regular attacks by pro-Iranian Iraqi groups against US interests, including troops sent to fight against ISIS.
Iraq declared victory over the terrorist group in late 2017 but 2,500 US soldiers remain in the country alongside other foreign troops from an anti-ISIS coalition. The extremists continue to carry out attacks.
France has several hundred troops in Iraq and Syria as part of the coalition.
While Iran considers ISIS an enemy, it is more preoccupied with the US presence in Iraq than any risk of a resurgence by the militants.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
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