Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Receives U.S. Assistant Secretary of State in Washington

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received in Washington Ms. Barbara Leaf U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, and they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two countries. The meeting emphasized on the need for a ceasefire in the region, and resolving crises through diplomatic means, as well as the importance of making efforts to help displaced Lebanese and provide support to end the humanitarian crisis.

The Assistant Secretary of State expressed her full support for Iraq, and for the Iraqi government efforts to contain crises.

In addition they touched on the issue of resolving outstanding problems with the State of Kuwait, and the necessity of returning to the negotiating table. The Minister stressed that the recent meetings in New York between the Iraqi and Kuwaiti delegations confirmed that dialogues are the right way to solve problems, and that they will start soon, as well Minister Hussein stressed Iraq’s genuine desire to reach understandings to resolve the outstanding differences. The two parties agreed on the necessity of calmness and the keenness of all parties to prevent the expansion of the scope of conflict in the Middle East, and to make the necessary efforts to end the conflict and spare the region the risk of escalation .