Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Meets US Secretary of State in Washington

On Tuesday, April 26, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein, met with his American counterpart Mr. Antony J. Blinken, at the Department of State’s headquarters, as part of a series of meetings held by His Excellency in Washington with officials of the US administration, after exchanging welcoming remarks both ministers gave a brief press statement before the start of the meeting, in which Secretary Blinken welcomed this visit and stated that he is looking forward to His Excellency the Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani’s visit to Washington to meet President Biden in a few weeks’ time, as well as holding the meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee, which is an important part of the strategic framework agreement that guides the comprehensive relations between the two countries, stressing that Iraq is an important critical partner for the stability of the region, in addition to he mentioned that Daesh terrorist groups still poses a real threat as the attack that occurred in Moscow a few days ago is an indication that this organization remains a potentially potent force that we must continue to deal with.

On the other part, His Excellency Mr. Fuad Hussein expressed his thanks for the warm reception, and indicated that this day’s discussions will include various topics related to bilateral relations, and the continuing Iraqi-American partnership in fighting terrorism and building the Iraqi economy. His Excellency condemned the terrorist attack that occurred in the Russian capital, Moscow.

Following the press statement, the two sides discussed during the bilateral meeting the bilateral relations across the board between the two countries and ways to promote them in light of the strategic framework agreement, these topics focused on the role of the global coalition to fight Daesh, assessing the conditions in Syria, dealing with Al-Hol camp, and the importance of continuing the meetings of the Higher military commission (HMC), emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to fight Daesh and build the capabilities of Iraqi forces, The two sides also stressed the importance of continuing dialogue between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on relevant issues, including budget and economic issues, addressing the issue of the oil export pipeline through Turkey, and the importance of Implementing the Sinjar Agreement to normalize the situation in the city, and addressing the issues of Yazidi men and women kidnapped by the terrorist organization.

The meeting also discussed the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and its vital role in crucial files, as well as discussing developments in Iraqi relations with the Gulf countries, especially Iraqi- Kuwait relations and the importance of maintaining distinguished relations between the two countries. In addition to the meeting touched on the partnership between the two countries in the fields of economics, energy, security and combating terrorism, and the exchange of views on the most prominent regional issues and crises and the exerted efforts to reduce these tensions, as well as they discussed arrangements for holding the meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee (HCC), and other committees emanated from the strategic framework agreement, and the arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington to meet with US President Joe Biden during April.