Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein Affirms that One of the Priorities of Iraq’s Foreign Policy is to Expand Openness on Gulf Cooperation Council and Establish a Gulf Broad and Common Field

This came during the meeting between the Minister and Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf and his accompanying delegation yesterday 22/2/2021.

The two sides agreed on the necessity of unifying efforts within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the importance of creating communication between the Iraqi and Gulf team to activate several memorandums of understanding.

They also agreed that the security of Iraq will reflect positively on the security of the Gulf, and vice versa, which means the need to achieve cooperation in various security, investment, economy and energy fields.

The Minister affirmed that the threat of terrorism still exists, referring to the recent terrorist operations that occurred in Iraq, and that investigations are continuing by the security authorities, and the Iraqi government will take all measures to hold the perpetrators of these acts accountable and bring them to justice.

Minister Fuad Hussein pointed out to the depth of the original and deep-rooted historical fraternal relations that bind Iraq with the Arab Gulf states, expressing the appreciation and praising the positions declared by the Gulf states and the Gulf Cooperation Council in support and protection of Iraq’s sovereignty, stressing that the current Iraqi policy is based on the principle of dialogue, communication, and building good and balanced relations to solve all outstanding issues and refrain from using force; since it complicates solutions and threatens regional security.

On his part, Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf emphasized the interest of the Cooperation Council in Iraq, as he had previously signed several memorandums of understanding, calling for keenness to maintain the volume of cooperation between the two sides, expressing his happiness with the increase of Iraqi-Saudi relations and the growing volume of bilateral cooperation, and praised the tripartite mechanism between Iraq, Jordan and Egypt.

Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf affirmed the council’s support for the sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity of Iraq, and the fight against terrorism, stating that will not hesitate to support Iraq, and these are essential elements in the Cooperation Council.

The two sides discussed the recent meetings of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level and the need to activate the mechanisms of Arab work within the League.
Minister Fuad Hussein pointed out the need to return Syria to its seat within the Arab League to achieve the principle of integration in Arab work and coordination.