Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein Discusses Bilateral Relations and Regional Developments with the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa

Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, held a telephone conversation on Thursday, 6 August 2026, with the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, H.E. Mr. Stephen Doughty. At the outset of the call, H.E. Mr. Hussein congratulated H.E. Mr. Doughty on assuming his new position and wished him every success in the discharge of his duties.

During the conversation, the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United Kingdom, as well as ways to strengthen joint cooperation across various fields in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein outlined Iraq’s perspective on the challenges facing the region, foremost among them the military operations in the Strait of Hormuz. H.E. Mr. Hussein warned of the risks of the conflict extending to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the potential repercussions this could have for the security of international maritime navigation.

The two sides also discussed the economic implications of the regional tensions, particularly their impact on the global economy, inflation rates, and energy prices. The two sides exchanged views on the recent discussions aimed at bringing military operations to an end and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein also referred to the complexities of Iraq’s economic and financial situation in light of the consequences of the war and the prevailing regional challenges, stressing the importance of supporting efforts aimed at consolidating stability across the region.

At the conclusion of the call, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein extended an official invitation to the UK Minister of State to visit Iraq, with a view to further enhancing political dialogue and advancing bilateral relations between the two countries.