Brussels: Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari held a meeting with Belgian Immigration Minister Anneline von Boissuet on the sidelines of his participation in the Second International Conference of the Global Alliance Against Migrant Smuggling in Brussels.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting focused on the conditions of the Iraqi community residing in Belgium, exploring ways to enhance their welfare while ensuring compliance with Belgian legal frameworks. Minister al-Shammari reiterated Iraq's commitment to supporting its citizens living abroad, emphasizing the provision of essential services and humanitarian aid.

Both ministers acknowledged the strong ties and security cooperation between Iraq and Belgium, highlighting the need for ongoing collaborative efforts to combat migrant smuggling and organized crime. They underscored the significance of sharing information and expertise to protect migrants and counter criminal networks effectively.

The discussions also extended to expanding cooperation in security training and technical expertise exchange, with a view to strengthening partnerships with specialized European institutions. Coordination at ministerial and agency levels was identified as crucial to ensuring the security and stability of both nations, benefiting the interests of their citizens.

Minister al-Shammari affirmed Iraq's openness to initiatives that bolster joint cooperation, emphasizing the country's proactive engagement with European nations to enhance capabilities and deepen security collaboration. This aligns with Iraq's strategic vision of fortifying international relations and advancing its national interests.