Iraq
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell speaking during a press briefing in Brussels on March 19, 2023. Photo: Screengrab/Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The European Union foreign policy chief on Sunday praised Iraq for playing a key role in improving regional relations, referring to the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Josep Borrell touched upon the deal between Riyadh and Tehran to restore ties, calling it an “important rapprochement.” Borrell praised the role played by Iraq, calling the country a “good neighborhood relation maker.”
Iran and Saudi Arabia announced on March 11 that they had signed a China-brokered deal of reconciliation. The deal is set to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries, with their embassies expected to open within two months.
Iraq hosted several rounds of talks between Tehran and Riyadh, aimed at reconciliation, since April 2021.
The presser comes as Hussein took part in the third meeting of the Cooperation Council between Iraq and the EU. According to Iraqi state media, Hussein will meet with all EU foreign ministers as part of his visit.
Hussein said his trip was aimed at discussing bilateral relations between Iraq and the EU which he described as being “very good.” He added that the main points of discussion were economic ties, trade, migration, as well as gas.
“In the future we hope we can export gas to other countries including Europe,” the Iraqi foreign minister said. He also thanked the EU for helping Iraqis in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and with the post-war reconstruction process.
Borrell also highlighted the importance of strong EU-Iraq ties. In response to a question by Rudaw’s Alla Shally, the EU foreign policy chief said “our relations are a powerful driver for prosperity for Iraq”.
“We are the most important partner,” he added, saying this was enough of a reason to justify the need for strong ties.
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