Qatar took a pivotal step in easing relations with Iraq and appointed its first ambassador to the country in 25 years, Iraqi and Qatari state media reported Friday.
Qatari state media said Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani appointed Zayed al-Khayareen as "ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Iraq."
Qatar closed its embassy in Iraq 25 years ago, but in May the Gulf country's foreign minister announced plans to open a diplomatic building in Baghdad, according to Reuters.
Tensions between Iraq and Qatar, which has a Sunni majority, have eased since Haider al-Abadi took office as Iraq's prime minister. Saudi Arabia has also signaled plans to open an embassy in Iraq's capital and invited Abadi to visit the kingdom.
Earlier this week, though, Iraq recalled its ambassador to Qatar when the foreign ministry said a conference in Doha had allowed participants wanted by Iraqi courts for terrorism charges.
