Iraq’s top diplomat and the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council sat down in Baghdad on Tuesday to explore ways to bring Iraq and its Gulf neighbors closer together, with both sides voicing strong support for deeper cooperation under Iraq’s newly established government.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the visit was a reflection of a mutual desire to strengthen the relationship between Iraq and GCC member states, while also working to advance the interests of both Iraqi and Gulf citizens.
Hussein outlined his government’s goal of building balanced relationships with Gulf Arab nations across a range of sectors. He also acknowledged that regional difficulties in recent years had put a strain on those ties, and emphasized how critical it is to keep working toward improvement.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi offered his congratulations to Iraq on forming its new government, expressing confidence that the development could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter in relations between the Gulf bloc and Baghdad.
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry reported that Albudaiwi told officials he had been dispatched to Baghdad directly by GCC member states to send a clear message of their dedication to building stronger bonds and expanding joint efforts with Iraq.
Albudaiwi also commended the Iraqi government for referring cases related to attacks on Gulf states to the court system, stating that those found responsible must face prosecution and be held accountable under the law.
After their discussions wrapped up, Hussein and Albudaiwi appeared together at a joint press conference held at the Foreign Ministry, where they addressed further opportunities for cooperation between Iraq and the Gulf states.
The high-level visit underscored the shared desire of both Iraq and the GCC to strengthen political relationships as Iraq’s new leadership seeks to build closer engagement with its neighbors in the Gulf region.
