INA - BAGHDAD
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met on Monday with the new Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, Xiang Bo, and the new Brazilian Ambassador to Iraq, Alfredo Cesar Martinho Leoni, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and political coordination.
Hussein received the new Chinese Ambassador to Iraq, Xiang Bo, at the Ministry building, where he presented a copy of his credentials, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.
During the meeting, they discussed “bilateral relations between Iraq and China and ways to develop them, particularly in the economic and trade sectors, given the presence of approximately 130 Chinese companies operating in Iraq, in addition to the increasing volume of trade exchange between the two countries.”
Both emphasized, “the importance of political coordination between the two countries regarding regional and international issues, especially the Palestinian issue, with praise for China's positions, which are consistent with the Iraqi position."
Hussein praised "the level of cooperation between the Iraqi and Chinese foreign ministries and the role played by the Chinese embassy in Baghdad in coordinating and strengthening bilateral relations,” emphasizing “the importance of continuing joint efforts to develop them."
The Minister extended an invitation to the Chinese foreign minister to visit Baghdad, noting the importance of Iraqi-Chinese relations. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide all necessary support to the new Chinese ambassador to ensure the success of his mission and the development of relations between the two friendly countries,” said Hussein.
In another statement received by INA, the Ministry said, "Foreign Minister Hussein received the new Brazilian ambassador to Iraq, Alfredo Cesar Martinho Leoni, at the Ministry building, where he presented a copy of his credentials."
Hussein welcomed the Brazilian ambassador, wishing him success in his duties, while the ambassador conveyed "the greetings of the Brazilian foreign minister to Fuad Hussein."
During the meeting, bilateral relations between Iraq and Brazil were discussed, reviewing their history dating back to 1961 and the stages they have gone through, with emphasis placed on the importance of continuing joint efforts to elevate them to broader levels.
The Minister praised "the role played by the Brazilian Embassy in Baghdad in strengthening bilateral relations and maintaining its operations over the past years,” stressing “the importance of its continued role in developing cooperation between the two countries."
“Exchanging visits between the two countries and expanding areas of economic cooperation is highly important, particularly in existing sectors,” the two discussed, along with exploring new opportunities for cooperation between the public and private sectors.
The Foreign Minister commended "the level of understanding and positive relations between the two countries at the diplomatic level, and the agreement on several issues of common interest," underscoring "Iraq's aspiration to continue coordination and cooperation with Brazil."
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to provide all necessary support to the new Brazilian Ambassador, to contribute to the success of his mission and the development of relations between the two friendly countries," Hussein affirmed.
