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The government of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi (here in front of the Parliament in October 2018) is to receive in Baghdad representatives of neighboring states Saturday, April 20, 2019. Iraqi Parliament Office / Handout via REUTERS

Iraq continues to mediate between these big rival neighbors, including Saudi Arabia and Iran. Baghdad hosts this Saturday, April 20 a summit of heads of Parliament of the countries of the region to promote the understanding and stability in the region.

This Saturday in Baghdad, there will be the fight against terrorism, regional cooperation and political and economic development. The heads of Saudi, Kuwaiti, Syrian, Jordanian and Turkish parliaments will be around the table as well as a senior Iranian official.

These discussions should lead to a joint declaration. This will require long-time rivals to put aside tensions: Saudi Arabia and Iran in particular, but also Saudi Arabia and Syria.

For several months, the Iraqi authorities have been working with their neighbors to make it clear that they will not choose their side and thus assert their sovereignty.

Since the announcement of the Iraqi forces' victory against the Islamic State Organization almost two years ago, Iraq has entered a period of transition. The fragmented and torn country can not afford to suffer the quarrels of its neighbors on its territory.

The same is true for its economic and social stability as Turkey, like Saudi Arabia and Iran all try to influence politics, but also the communities that make up the Iraqi population.