Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein Meets President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins in Dublin

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with His Excellency, the President of Ireland Michael Daniel Higgins, at his Dublin residence on Thursday, October 17, 2024. 

President Higgins expressed his happiness with this meeting and visit, congratulating the Minister on opening the Iraqi Embassy in Ireland. 

The President also reviewed his experience and previous visits to Iraq in the 1980s, highlighting his contributions to the humanitarian field in Iraq, Additionally he referred in the conversation to the Irish figures who worked in Iraq within the humanitarian support programs and the World Food Program during the period of economic sanctions in the 1990s.

The Irish President, praised the ancient Iraqi civilization, commending the role of Iraq’s cultural institutions that left positive impressions on him. As well President Higgins affirmed the right of all components of Iraqi society to live in peace and security,  warning of the threat of wars on societies, he indicated that Iraq suffered from the scourge of wars in its different stages, and touched on the consequences of the recent war in Gaza and its effects on the stability of the region. 

On his part, Minister Fuad Hussein extended his thanks to the Irish President for providing the opportunity for this meeting, and he appreciated the depth of President Higgins’ thoughts and his positive impressions of Iraq and its diverse society, calling for the opening of a resident Irish Embassy in Baghdad to strengthen bilateral relations. In addition, both sides discussed the current situation in the region, especially the repercussions of the war in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of intensifying international efforts including the role of Ireland, to prevent the spreading of conflict.