Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraq has received a message from the Gulf CooperationCouncil (GCC) calling for a new round of dialogue, Foreign Minister FuadHussein stated on Tuesday, reaffirming Baghdad’s commitment to its bilateralagreements and all relevant international resolutions.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Baghdad with GCCSecretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Hussein said the region ispassing through "a sensitive and difficult period" amid attackstargeting several countries.
“The meeting also addressed outstanding issues between Iraqand Kuwait,” he added, stressing that Baghdad remains fully committed to UnitedNations Security Council resolutions and other international obligations whilefully respecting Kuwait's sovereignty. “Iraq has started importing electricitythrough its interconnection with the GCC power grid.”
Hussein described Iraq's ties with the Gulf states asimportant, noting that relations had been strong before years of regionalconflicts affected them, and the current government is working to restore andstrengthen those ties.
He also reiterated Iraq's opposition to the “war againstIran and to any expansion of hostilities into the Gulf region,” saying Iraq hadbecome "the first victim" of the conflict after coming under attacksfrom different sides.
The government's priorities include consolidating thestate's monopoly on arms and strengthening public institutions, alongsidecombating corruption, which he noted has begun to directly affect Iraqisociety. “The current administration has begun taking practical steps andintends to continue those efforts.”
Hussein also revealed that Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is“preparing to visit several countries in the region in the near future.”
Al-Budaiwi said his visit to Baghdad aimed to congratulatePrime Minister Al-Zaidi, commend the government's recent steps, and deliver amessage from Gulf leaders.
“The GCC considers regional security and stability a toppriority and a key foundation for development, praising the Iraqi government'sefforts in that regard,” he stressed, adding that GCC member states view Iraqas a strategic partner and consider its stability a shared interest for thepeoples of the region.