Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs affirms Iraq’s aspiration to raise the pace of bilateral cooperation with Helsinki at various levels

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue Forum 2022, which is being held in Bahrain.

Minister Fouad Hussein stressed the importance of strengthening aspects of bilateral relations by diversifying the frameworks of consultation in a way that contributes to achieving the aspirations of Baghdad and Helsinki, and raising the pace of bilateral cooperation for the overall ongoing efforts, and on the various political, economic, health and development levels for the benefit of both countries.

The two sides discussed several issues related to resolving the obstacles facing Iraq in the issue of Iraqi immigration and refugees, and ways of cooperation between the two sides to work on the integration of refugees into Finnish society, discussing the voluntary return of those who wish to do so, and facilitating all obstacles that prevent their return to their homeland.

The Minister referred to the role played by Iraq to bring together the regional parties in the region, and this was embodied in a number of meetings and conferences hosted by Baghdad, bringing points of view closer and moving forward on the right path, the latest of which was the Baghdad Conference for Partnership Cooperation, which established a scientific framework to reduce tensions in the region and create positive dialogue.

At the end of the meeting, the minister of foreign affairs Fuad Hussein expressed his thanks and appreciation for the positions of the Government of Finland in supporting Iraq in all fields.