It is rare that Baghdad becomes the center of attention because of something constructive it did. The Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, a historical gathering for all Iraq’s neighboring countries, except Syria, and regional and international players such as France, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, points to Baghdad’s enhanced status under the premiership of Mustafa al-Kadhimi, as a place where rivals and friends meet to try to resolve differences and forge common paths.

Al-Monitor has learned that half of the attendees of the Aug. 28 conference will participate at the highest level, among them Jordan’s King Abdullah, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Kuwait will participate with its prime minister, Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, due to the health issues of the emir, who had expressed willingness to attend previously. Vice President and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid will represent United Arab Emirates. Iran will send new Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Turkey and Saudi are not confirmed yet but it is expected that top leaders will attend. 

Indeed, bringing to the same table regional heavyweights who are in a state of open conflict, such as is the case with Iran and Saudi Arabia, would be a diplomatic achievement in and of itself for the al-Kadhimi government. Kadhimi has hosted three rounds of negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and has been engaged in other initiatives that involve regional conflicting countries.

The conference is a continuation of the government's efforts to reduce tensions in the region and support stability in Iraq.