Iraq summit brings together rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran

BAGHDAD – A summit organized by Iraq is bringing together regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran to bridge relations and invest in Iraq.

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi is heading the one-day summit between Iraq and its six neighbors: Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Jordan, and Kuwait.

The summit underlines a shift to Iraq's foreign policy, placing the country as a mediator between neighbors who are often at odds over weighty issues, such as the civil war in Syria, and U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Iraqi leaders have emphasized Iraq's sovereignty since elections last year, and they say it is vital to Iraq's security and economy to develop good relations with the neighbors.

The country is seeking billions of dollars in aid and investment to help it rebuild after 15 years of war.