Foreign Minister Meets EU Special Representative for Gulf Region to Discuss Regional Developments and Strengthen Cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, met with Mr. Luigi Di Maio the EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region and former Italian Foreign Minister for the period 2019-2022, on 15 February 2025.

The meeting discussed the developments in Syria following the recent political changes, as Special Representative Di Maio inquired about Iraq’s assessment of the current situation in Syria and future prospects there, and the role of the European Union in supporting stability in the region.

On the other hand, Minister Hussein expressed Iraq’s desire to hold Baghdad Conference to be considered as an opportunity to discuss the regional situation and enhance cooperation between Iraq and the European Union and highlighted Iraq’s role in launching initiatives that bring together the parties and reach understandings between countries.

On his part, Mr. Di Maio pledged the European Union’s support for the success of the conference and its effective participation in it. As well the meeting touched on Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations.

Additionally, the Minister provided an explanation of Iraq’s preparations to host the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad.

The two sides also discussed relations between the European Union countries and the new U.S. administration, as well as the situation between Ukraine and Russia from a European perspective, previously and currently .

At the end of the meeting, Minister Hussein extended an invitation to Special Representative Di Maio to visit Iraq, and the latter welcomed the invitation.