Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Participates in a Roundtable at Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Presenting Iraq’s Vision To Enhance Bilateral Partnerships and Face Regional Challenges

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein participated on 28 April 2025, in a roundtable organized by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, with a group of researchers and experts specialized in Middle East affairs.

Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted the Iraqi government’s vision towards regional and international developments. In addition the Minister affirmed the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between Iraq and the United States across various areas especially in countering terrorism and enhancing regional security and stability.

The Minister indicated the need for intelligence and security cooperation in supporting Iraq’s efforts to confront terrorist threats and prevent the return of Da’esh terrorist organization, as well he touched on the development of the democratic process in Iraq, noting that Iraq has made significant strides in consolidating the democratic process despite the challenges, emphasizing the importance of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections which consolidates the principle of a peaceful transfer of power. 

Speaking on regional challenges, the Minister addressed the Syrian crisis, underlining the importance of working towards a comprehensive political settlement that guarantees Syria’s unity and stability and preserves the rights of all its components, with emphasizing on the need to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and reject policies and measures that exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

Additionally, the Minister noted that Iraq, given its geographical location and balanced relations with all parties, adopts a policy of dialogue and openness to ease regional tensions and works to strengthen cooperation frameworks with neighboring countries and the region to achieve collective security and sustainable stability. With regard to the bilateral relations with the United States, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister affirmed Iraq’s keenness to strengthen the strategic partnership with Washington, noting that a new round of strategic dialogue between the two countries is being prepared this year, this dialogue aims to develop joint cooperation in the economic, investment, educational, and health sectors, and to expand scientific and cultural exchanges to enhance the interests of the two friendly peoples.

The Minister explained that Iraq sees its relationship with the United States as a fundamental pillar for supporting internal stability and achieving comprehensive economic development, noting the importance of benefiting from American expertise in capacity building and supporting investment in vital sectors such as energy, education, and healthcare. Minister Fuad Hussein added that the continued strategic dialogue between Iraq and the United States will contribute to strengthen common interests and support the path to regional security and stability, as well establishing the foundations for peace and development in the Middle East. 

Furthermore, the Minister touched on the importance of following up on the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, and affirmed that Iraq supports any diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tension and enhancing regional security, based on its firm belief that dialogue is the best way to resolve disputes and ensure the interests of all peoples of the region. The meeting was attended by Iraq’s Ambassador to the United States Mr. Nazar Al Khirullah.