Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Launches Diplomatic Effort in Istanbul to Contain Escalation and Discusses Regional and Shared Issues in Bilateral Meetings

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, participated in the emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers held in Istanbul on June 20, 2025, at Iraq’s request, to discuss the repercussions of the Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In addition, the Minister headed Iraq’s delegation at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Istanbul from June 21 to 22, 2025.

In his statement during the Arab meeting, Minister Fuad Hussein stressed that the Israeli escalation poses a serious threat that extends beyond Iran, endangering the security and stability of the entire region, as well he called for a collective effort to pressure global powers and to propose joint initiatives aimed at halting the deterioration, he also proposed the formation of an open-ended joint committee to engage in de-escalation dialogue.

The final statement of the emergency Arab meeting condemned the Israeli aggression, calling for its immediate cessation and a return to dialogue. It urged the international community—particularly the UN Security Council—to assume its responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and security. The meeting also adopted Minister Hussein’s proposal to form a joint committee from OIC member states, which was later approved during the OIC session with broad support.

During the OIC meetings, Minister Hussein emphasized the danger of ongoing escalation, particularly the attacks on Gaza and Iran, as well as repeated violations of Iraqi airspace, he underscored the need for tangible measures to deter further escalation.

At the conclusion of the 51st OIC session, the Istanbul Declaration condemned Israel’s destabilizing policies and its recent attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, which represent a blatant violation of the sovereignty of those nations—an initiative originally put forward by Iraq during the emergency Arab foreign ministers’ meeting. The declaration also approved Iraq’s proposal to form a joint committee of OIC member states tasked with promoting dialogue and defusing regional tensions.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Minister Fuad Hussein held several bilateral discussions. In his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Hakan Fidan, the two sides discussed regional escalation, water release, and oil export issues. Minister Hussein emphasized the need to increase water flows to Iraq and to accelerate the resumption of oil exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan. On his part, Minister Fidan promised to follow up on both files with the relevant authorities. The two ministers also reviewed the broader implications of the regional crisis.

In two separate meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Mr. Abbas Araghchi, the first meeting discussed the consequences of the Israeli aggression on Iran and the importance of coordinating efforts to contain the crisis. The second addressed the aftermath of the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Minister Hussein reiterated the importance of activating the contact group proposed by Iraq within the OIC framework.

Minister Hussein also met with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr. Bakhtiyor Saidov, where they discussed the need to end the war and return to political solutions, and affirmed that Iraq is directly affected by the consequences of the war due to its shared borders and historic ties with Iran.

In another meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mr. Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed regional developments. Minister Abdelatty commended Iraq’s initiative to form an Arab-Islamic committee to open channels for dialogue and help de-escalate tensions.

Minister Hussein also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the two discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Minister Tangara expressed his country’s willingness to establish a strategic partnership with Iraq and highlighted the importance of coordinating positions within the OIC amidst rising tensions.

In his meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Mr. Asaad Al Shaibani, the two ministers discussed recent developments in Syria, bilateral relations, and avenues for enhancing cooperation in service of both peoples.

These bilateral meetings and Iraq’s active participation in the Arab and Islamic meetings reflected its commitment to regional unity and its diplomatic efforts to halt escalation and preserve the security and stability of the region.