DUHOK, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday welcomed the upcoming Arab League summit set for Saturday in Baghdad as a “historic diplomatic milestone” that will strengthen Iraq’s position in the Middle East. 

“We welcome the convening of the Arab Summit and the leaders of Arab states in Baghdad, a peaceful city. This summit represents a historic diplomatic milestone that embodies Iraq's restoration of its pivotal role in the Middle East,” President Barzani said on X. 

Baghdad will host the 34th Arab League summit on Saturday, bringing together leaders and senior officials from the bloc’s 27 member states. The high-level summit will address pressing regional issues, including political, economic, and security challenges. 

In the statement, President Barzani also praised Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s efforts “to strengthen joint Arab action, build partnerships and mutual interests, and lead the path to de-escalation and regional integration from the heart of the capital, Baghdad.” 

In recent years, Baghdad emerged as a key mediator between regional rivals, hosting multiple rounds of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia. These discussions, mediated by Iraq and Oman, culminated in a landmark China-brokered deal in March 2023 that normalized diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Tehran after seven years of severed ties.

Iraq has also offered to mediate in other regional and international conflicts, including the Yemen conflict - described by the United Nations as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises - as well as the Russia-Ukraine war.