Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Meets Gambian Foreign Minister in Istanbul to Discuss Strengthening Cooperation and Regional Escalation Risks

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul.

The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between Iraq and The Gambia, as Minister Hussein emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with African countries, highlighting the continent’s vital role in promoting regional stability and fostering economic and cultural exchange.

Minister Tangara expressed his country’s interest in building a strategic partnership with Iraq across various fields, particularly in trade and investment.

The discussions also covered coordination within the OIC framework, especially in light of growing regional tensions. Both ministers affirmed the importance of supporting Islamic solidarity initiatives to address common challenges. In addition, the meeting touched on the consequences of the ongoing Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran. Minister Hussein warned of the serious risks of this escalation to the security and stability of the entire region. As well he called for an immediate halt to the hostilities and a return to diplomatic solutions, reaffirming Iraq’s principled stance against violations of national sovereignty and cautioning against the region sliding into a broader conflict if tensions continue to rise.