Minister of Foreign Affairs Commends Council of the European Union Sending Mission to Observe Elections

Foreign Minister H.E. Fuad Hussein met On Thursday, July 1st. 2021, his Belgian counterpart, H.E Mrs. Sophie Willems.

 The two sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between Iraq and the Kingdom of Belgium in all fields.

The Minister affirmed that Iraq appreciates the role played by its European partners to support the ongoing political process in Iraq and the support during its war with the terrorist gangs of ISIS, noting that Iraq is looking forward to an active role of the European Union countries, especially the Kingdom of Belgium, in the reconstruction of the infrastructure and services in Iraq. Stressing that it is time for the Belgian companies and banks to enter the Iraqi investment market, and that the Iraqi government will do its best to provide the required support for these companies.

For her part, the Belgian Foreign Minister confirmed that the federal government in Belgium will inform the active companies in all Belgian regions with the promising investment opportunities in Iraq, and will the possibility of sending a mission of companies and businessmen to look into the promising investment market in Iraq.

The two sides also touched on the latest political developments in Iraq and the region, where the Minister stressed that Iraq is on the verge of completing requirements to hold free and fair parliamentary elections that would restore the people’s confidence in the political regime, praising the recent decision of the European Union Council to send a European mission to monitor the elections.

 He made it clear that Iraq is working to reduce regional tensions urging all parties to renounce violence and give priority to the language of dialogue to achieve stability that serves the peoples of the region.

The two sides discussed the issue of Iraqi immigration and refugees in Belgium and the issue of families and children of foreign fighters in Iraq stressing the need for continued cooperation and coordination in this field to reach a common understanding that helps find a solution to a number of outstanding cases.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides stressed importance of continuing consultation and coordination between them to serve the common interests of both friendly countries.