Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Meets Czech Foreign Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with the Czech Foreign Minister Mr. Jan Lipavský, at the Czech Foreign Ministry’s headquarters in Prague, on Friday October 18, 2024. 

Minister Lipavský welcomed the visit of Minister Hussein, and outlined the main points of common interest, and cooperation between the two countries on the economic and security levels, in addition to reviewing the outcomes of the Iraqi-Czech Joint Committee and the agreements and memorandums of understanding that emanated from it.

On his part Minister Fuad Hussein extended his thanks to his Czech counterpart for the invitation, commending the depth of the relations which extend from 1933. Additionally, The two sides discussed the current situation in the region, especially the consequences of the war in Gaza and Lebanon, and the risks if not contained, as well as extinguishing the fire of war and its repercussions in the region, they underlined the importance of intensifying international efforts, including the role of the Czech Republic as a member of the European Union, to prevent the spillover of the conflict.

In addition the meeting discussed ways to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, and invest in the supply of Iraqi oil to diversify oil exports to European countries, urging the two Czech companies operating in oil refining in Basra to expand their activities, and study the construction of pipelines to transport oil inside and outside Iraq. As well the meeting underlined the importance of Czech companies opening up to the Iraqi market and actively contributing to the Development Road Project, which extends to the European continent via Turkey.

The meeting also touched on the security cooperation and the exchange of intelligence information, in light of the accumulated experience of the Iraqi security forces in fighting Da’esh terrorist organization. Minister Hussein called on the Czech government to urge the European Union countries to withdraw their citizens detained in Al-Hol camp, warning that the presence of these groups in the camp constitutes a fertile environment for the growth of extremism and terrorism.

Furthermore, they discussed military cooperation and the exchange of security expertise, especially since the Czech Republic supported Iraq through military advisors as part of the Global Coalition. 

Minister Hussein called for strengthening cultural and scientific cooperation and increasing opportunities for granting scholarships in Czech universities, from which many Iraqi students have graduated in previous decades.

In addition the two Ministers highlighted cooperation in the field of water management, combating desertification and pollution, and recycling waste was, to meet the environmental challenges facing Iraq.