Foreign Minister Receives British Ambassador and UK Consul General in Erbil

H.E. Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein received, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, the British Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Irfan Siddiq, and the British Consul General in Erbil, Ms. Holly Fair, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Baghdad.

At the outset of the meeting, H.E. the Minister welcomed the Ambassador and Consul General, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United Kingdom and the commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination across various fields in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both countries.

For their part, the British Ambassador and Consul General congratulated H.E. the Minister on the successful conclusion of the 52nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by Baghdad. They commended the arrangements and preparations for the event, as well as Iraq’s successful hosting of this diplomatic gathering and its assumption of the Council’s presidency.

The meeting addressed political and security developments in the region, current regional challenges, and the implications of conflicts and tensions for regional security and stability. The two sides also discussed the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, contain crises, and prevent conflicts from spreading.

The two sides also discussed developments in the Gulf region, particularly maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, protecting international waterways, and maintaining the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies, thereby safeguarding economic interests and promoting regional and international stability.

The meeting also addressed the issue of armed groups and opposition groups present on Iraqi territory. H.E. the Minister affirmed that the Iraqi Constitution and government policy do not permit Iraqi territory to be used as a launching ground for any armed activity targeting other countries or threatening their security and stability. H.E the Minister stressed Iraq’s commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

H.E. the Minister explained that the Iraqi Government is working to address this issue and take the necessary measures within the legal and constitutional frameworks to prevent Iraqi territory from being used to undermine the security of other countries, while safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of continuing consultations and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest and strengthening bilateral cooperation in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and supports security and stability in the region.