INA–Baghdad
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein extended an invitation to his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, to visit Baghdad on Friday.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), indicated that “Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, with the Portuguese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, during his official visit to Portugal, to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields.”
During the meeting, according to the statement, Hussein emphasized Iraq’s keenness to “strengthen its relations with Portugal and resume political consultations between the two countries’ foreign ministries, as well as the importance of reopening the Portuguese embassy in Baghdad.” He reiterated the invitation to “visit Iraq, which would contribute to expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation and strengthening the partnership between the two countries.”
"The two sides discussed opportunities to develop cooperation in the fields of economy, renewable energy, water resources, education, scientific research, and culture, in addition to facilitating the exchange of official visits and finalizing bilateral understandings and agreements currently being prepared," the statement continued.
According to the statement, the meeting witnessed an exchange of views on the most prominent regional and international issues, with Hussein reiterating Iraq's position calling for dialogue and peaceful means in addressing crises, maintaining regional security and stability, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"The two sides discussed the latest developments in the Middle East region, efforts to combat terrorism, and prospects for cooperation with the European Union and NATO, as well as strengthening joint coordination within the framework of international organizations," the statement added.
"The two sides discussed the importance of enhancing coordination between Iraq and Portugal in international forums, supporting mutual nominations, and cooperating on issues of common interest, in a way that contributes to consolidating security and stability and strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries," the statement concluded.
