ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Amid the ongoing repatriation of thousands of Iraqi migrants from the freezing European borders back to their homeland, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Vice President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas in Brussels on Thursday, and the two discussed Iraq's methods in facilitating the voluntary return of its people.
Hussein was received by Schinas on Thursday as the two discussed "the bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the European Union and efforts of the Iraqi government,” as well as the issue of the migrants and their voluntary return, Iraq’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
"The current issues of the Iraqi regional and international topics of common interest were discussed, especially the migration of thousands of Iraqi nationals to European countries during the past year," added the ministry.
Thousands of Iraqis and Kurds have traveled to Belarus in recent months through smuggling networks, hoping to reach western Europe in search of jobs and opportunities they feel they cannot access at home where unemployment is high and political tensions, corruption, and instability leave them with little hope for their future. Several migrants on the border have sustained injuries, and several others have lost their lives as they were fenced in with no food or water.
Iraq began offering repatriation flights in November. Schinas praised the Iraqi government's position of supporting the voluntary return of migrants and avoiding further escalation. It was able to successfully return around 4,000 citizens through 10 special flights.
"Iraq has been constructive in helping us manage the crisis at our eastern external border with Belarus, and further cooperation is possible," Schinas later said in a tweet. "EU is a friend of Iraq and friends help each other."
During the meeting, Hussein also praised the EU's position in promoting stability in Iraq, particularly the contributions of its member states and the international coalition in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
By Julian Bechocha
