Foreign Minister Mohamad A. Alhakim Meets with High Representative Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mugrini  

Foreign Minister Mr. Mohamed A. Alhakim met with the High Representative of the European Commission Vice-President Ms. Federica Mogherini. The meeting discussed the relations between Iraq and the EU. The meeting also discussed the importance of strengthening the Iraq-EU partnership.

The two sides stated that the Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in August 2018, will strengthen cooperation frameworks in many fields, including human rights, economic, energy, security, transport and environment issues.

On her part, Federica Mogherini stressed that the European Union is continuing to work with Iraq to achieve the goals set by the reconstruction conference held in Kuwait in February 2018 in order to provide a better future for the people of Iraq. The EU contributed 1.2 billion euros in humanitarian assistance, development, and security cooperation since 2014, is evidence of its long-term commitment to a strategic partnership with Iraq, stressing that cooperation is the strongest basis for achieving long-term security, stability and sustainable development in the region.

The two sides held extensive talks on the latest developments in the region and affirmed their common commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. Ms. Mogherini expressed the European Union’s appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made by Iraq in the fight against terrorism and to support Iraq’s efforts to eliminate all forms of terrorist ideology.

The two sides also agreed on the need to reduce the escalation of current tensions in the region, recalling the dangers, their consequences and the common desire to support initiatives to promote dialogue instead of confrontation.