Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Discusses with his Portuguese Counterpart Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation and Risks of Escalation in Middle East

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein met with the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic Mr. Paulo Rangel, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

During the meeting the two Ministers highlighted the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and ways to develop them with a particular focus on the cultural and economic fields.

Minister Hussein called on Portugal to take the necessary steps to reopen its embassy in Baghdad. The two sides discussed recent developments on the international arena, especially the further escalation in violence in the Middle East, and the danger it poses to the international peace and security.

 The Minister expressed Iraq’s deep concern regarding this escalation, warning of the possibility of its expansion in a way that is difficult to control. On his part, the Portuguese Minister stressed that his country shares Iraq’s concerns regarding the continuation of violence and escalation in the Middle East, and the lack of effectiveness of the international community in stopping this threat to the global security.