FM Fuad Hussein and His Portuguese Counterpart Affirm, at a Joint Press Conference, the Importance of Strengthening the Bilateral Partnership and Supporting Diplomatic Solutions to Regional Crises

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, held a joint press conference with the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, H.E. Mr. Paulo Rangel, on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, at the conclusion of their official talks as part of H.E. the Minister’s visit to the Portuguese Republic.

At the outset of his remarks, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein affirmed that Iraqi–Portuguese relations are witnessing positive momentum that reflects the shared will to elevate them to broader horizons, noting that the next phase requires building on the understandings reached by expanding cooperation in the political, economic, investment, cultural, and scientific fields, in a manner that serves the common interests of the two friendly countries.

H.E. the Minister explained that Iraq looks forward to strengthening mutual diplomatic presence, noting that the reopening of the Portuguese Embassy in Baghdad will represent an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations and activating channels of communication and cooperation between government institutions and the private sector in both countries.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein also announced that he had extended an official invitation to the Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs to visit Baghdad. H.E. the Portuguese Minister welcomed the invitation and confirmed his acceptance, reflecting the keenness of both sides to continue political dialogue and enhance the bilateral partnership.

Speaking on regional developments, H.E. the Minister reiterated Iraq’s position calling for dialogue and diplomacy as the means to address crises, stressing that the continuation of military escalation and regional tensions portends further instability, which requires responsible international action to contain crises and prevent their expansion.

H.E. pointed out that Iraq supports all initiatives aimed at halting escalation and consolidating calm, stressing the importance of the European Union and European countries assuming a more effective role in supporting diplomatic efforts and encouraging political solutions, in a manner that contributes to enhancing security and stability at both the regional and international levels.

For his part, H.E. the Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs affirmed his country’s keenness to enhance its relations with Iraq, commending the role played by Iraq in supporting regional dialogue and bringing viewpoints closer together, and affirming Portugal’s readiness to expand the horizons of bilateral cooperation and enhance coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two Ministers concluded the joint press conference by affirming the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between the two countries, working jointly to develop Iraqi–Portuguese relations, and supporting international efforts aimed at enhancing security, stability, and peace at both the regional and international levels.