Minister of Foreign Affairs Discusses Ways to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and International Coordination with Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs in Lisbon

On Friday, 3 July 2026, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, met in Lisbon with Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Paulo Rangel, as part of his official visit to the Portuguese Republic. The meeting focused on advancing bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation across various fields.

During the meeting, H.E. the Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Portugal and resuming the rounds of political consultations between the two countries’ Ministries of Foreign Affairs. He also stressed the importance of reopening the Portuguese Embassy in Baghdad and renewed his invitation for his Portuguese counterpart to visit Iraq, with a view to expanding bilateral cooperation and reinforcing the partnership between the two countries.

The two sides discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation in the fields of economy, renewable energy, water resources, education, scientific research, and culture, as well as facilitating the exchange of official visits and finalising the bilateral understandings and agreements currently under preparation.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on key regional and international issues. H.E. reiterated Iraq’s position advocating dialogue and peaceful means for resolving crises, preserving regional security and stability, and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions further covered developments in the Middle East, efforts to combat terrorism, prospects for cooperation with the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and strengthening coordination within international organisations.

Both sides also emphasised the importance of enhancing coordination between Iraq and Portugal in international forums, supporting each other’s candidacies, and cooperating on issues of mutual interest in ways that contribute to promoting security, stability, and the bilateral partnership.