Amman-INA
Iraq continues its efforts to strengthen relations with Arab countries and neighboring states, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on Tuesday, adding that there are moves to support economic and strategic projects in the energy and transport sectors.
Hussein told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that he “participated in the comprehensive meeting on the League’s agenda to select the new Secretary-General of the League,” noting that “the meetings witnessed extensive discussions on the Arab League’s agenda, including the selection of a new Secretary-General, as well as an exchange of views on regional developments and the challenges facing Arab states.”
He added that “side meetings focused primarily on bilateral relations between Iraq and Arab states, where intensive discussions were held with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Jordan, in addition to meetings with Gulf Arab states.”
He noted that “Iraq’s relations with the Gulf States are ongoing and generally positive, but developments and the ongoing war in the region have created some challenges. Efforts are continuing to address these issues and repair relations in a way that serves the interests of all parties.”
Hussein said that “the new government has a clear vision in the field of foreign policy and places the building of the Iraqi economy at the top of its priorities, as economic development requires internal and regional security and stability, particularly with neighboring countries and Gulf states.”
He added that “talks with the Egyptian and Jordanian sides addressed the Basra–Aqaba pipeline project and the importance of continuing the planning and implementation of this strategic project.”
He noted that “meetings with the Syrian side focused on bilateral relations, economic cooperation and the energy sector, in addition to discussions on a project to extend a pipeline towards Syria.”
The Foreign Minister revealed a “forthcoming visit to the Syrian capital Damascus in the coming days to continue discussions on economic files and joint cooperation projects,” stressing that “Iraq maintains strong historical, cultural and economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and can play a positive role in narrowing differences among regional countries.”
He added that “there is Arab support for efforts aimed at promoting understanding and dialogue between Iran and the United States,” underlining “the importance of building a regional security framework that includes all countries of the region, including Iran, in a way that contributes to shared security and stability.”
