THE IRAQI AND AMERICAN FOREIGN MINISTERS DISCUSS GOVERNMENT FORMATION AND REVIEW REGIONAL CHALLENGES
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein discussed with US Deputy Secretary of State Michael Regas on Tuesday joint cooperation in various political, economic and security fields and the regional and international challenges facing the region. While stressing the need to expedite the formation of the federal government, Hussein called for a review of travel warnings to Iraq.
This came during Fuad Hussein’s reception of the US Deputy Secretary of State in Baghdad, where the meeting discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, and to follow up on frameworks for joint cooperation in various political, economic and security fields.
According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received by Shafaq News Agency, the meeting included a review of “regional and international challenges facing the region, including efforts to achieve stability, the need to support dialogue, with a focus on the situation in Syria and Iran, and the importance of working to reduce tension and build understanding to enhance security and stability in the region.”
Hussein emphasized the importance of de-escalating regional tensions, stressing Iraq’s role in supporting stability efforts. He also reviewed the political developments following the elections.
He stressed “the need to expedite the formation of the federal government in accordance with constitutional timelines, while taking into account the balance between political forces to ensure the regularity of the democratic process and the activation of parliament and government, in a way that contributes to the efficient and effective implementation of government programs.”
Hussein also praised the positive atmosphere that prevailed during the elections and the high voter turnout, stressing the importance of continued political stability in the country.
He pointed to the imminent opening of the US consulate in Erbil, and what it represents in terms of strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, while stressing the need to reopen the US consulate in Basra Governorate.
Hussein stressed the importance of “continued coordination between Iraq and the United States, and continued cooperation in the areas of economy, infrastructure and investment, in order to promote development and support the return of American companies to invest in Iraq.”
He also called for a review of travel warnings to Iraq, given the security stability the country is experiencing, and for facilitating investment opportunities.
For his part, Michael Regas expressed the United States’ appreciation for the progress Iraq has made in promoting stability and security, stressing his country’s support for efforts in this area.
He pointed to the importance of continued regional and international coordination to address economic, political and security challenges, stressing the importance of working within a positive bilateral relationship with the Iraqi government.