FM Emphasizes Importance of Economic Integration and Regional Dialogue at EU Day Celebration

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fuad Hussein, attended a celebration hosted by the European Union Delegation to Iraq on Tuesday evening, 27 October 2026, on the occasion of Europe Day, at the invitation of the EU Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Klemens Semtner. The event was held at Al-Mansour Hall in Baghdad’s Celebrations Square.

In his remarks during the celebration, the Minister expressed Iraq’s appreciation for the support provided by the European Union and its Member States during the war against terrorist organizations, emphasizing the importance of continuing cooperation and developing relations across various fields.

The Minister highlighted the importance of benefiting from the European Union’s experience in economic integration and the free movement of people and goods as a model for strengthening cooperation among countries in the region. He explained that Iraq aspires to establish a framework for regional integration bringing together Iraq, Türkiye, Iran, and Syria, based on shared interests and the complementarity of their economic, agricultural, and water resources and capabilities.

He added that Iraq seeks to strengthen cooperation with the Arab Gulf states, referring to its previous initiative to establish a regional cooperation framework under the “6+2” formula, comprising the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), alongside Iraq and Iran, with the aim of promoting dialogue and mutual understanding and enhancing regional security and stability.

The Minister welcomed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the countries participating in the Mecca Agreement on Mutual Defence, as well as the visit of their representatives to the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing the importance of these steps in promoting dialogue, reducing tensions, and bringing positions closer together, thereby contributing to resolving crises through peaceful and diplomatic means.

Mr. Fuad Hussein affirmed that strengthening economic relations and expanding shared interests require a secure and stable environment, underscoring the interconnected nature of national, regional, and international security, stressing the importance of reaching understandings and agreements on collective security based on dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and mutual interests, while benefiting from the role of international partners, particularly the European Union and the United States of America, in supporting security and stability.

The Minister expressed his hope for an easing of tensions and an end to the wars affecting the region, enabling its countries to overcome crises, pursue development and prosperity, and strengthen economic cooperation.