Kuwait seeks diplomatic ties with Iraq

KUWAIT, Kuwait, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Kuwait says it has initiated procedures to establish diplomatic relations with Iraq, citing improved security in the neighboring country.

Kuwaiti Foreign Undersecretary Khalid Jarallah said he has submitted diplomatic credentials to Baghdad, which he said is evidence of Kuwait's desire to improve relations with Iraq, KUNA, the Kuwait news agency, reported Monday.

Arab nations have been reluctant to establish formal relations with Iraq, wary of appearing to endorse the 2003 invasion of the country by United States-led coalition forces. Sunni Arab countries such as Kuwait also have reservations about the Shiite-dominated Iraq government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Western diplomats say.

But Kuwait's Jarallah says his country is keen on forging closer relations with Iraq now that security there has improved, and indicated Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Sabah is considering making an official visit to Baghdad, KUNA reported.