Baghdad: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Planning, Ambassador Hisham Al-Alawi, and the Finnish Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen, emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in the field of combating terrorism and organizing the voluntary return of Iraqis residing illegally in the country.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that Ambassador Hisham Al-Alawi received Minister Mari Rantanen and her delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad. The meeting was attended by the Finnish Ambassador, embassy staff, and representatives of relevant departments within the Ministry.

During the meeting, Al-Alawi stressed the importance of developing partnership relations with Helsinki, highlighting Iraq’s successful democratic elections last year, which received international praise. He expressed Baghdad’s aspiration to hold new political consultations and continue cooperation in counterterrorism, acknowledging Finland’s support in efforts to eliminate ISIS.

Al-Alawi further explained the burden posed by transferring ISIS members and their families, stressing Iraq’s desire to expand international cooperation in counterterrorism and repatriation of imprisoned terrorists for trial under legal frameworks. He also pointed out Iraq’s efforts to attract investment and strengthen ties in education and consular affairs.

He noted the Ministry’s focus on Iraqi expatriates abroad, with efforts to change its name to include “Expatriate Affairs,” aiming to enhance communication with Iraqi communities and utilize expatriate expertise in nation-building.

Rantanen expressed appreciation for Iraq’s efforts and outlined Finland’s security challenges, including its vulnerability to regional conflicts like the war in Ukraine. She highlighted the similarity of challenges in combating organized crime and smuggling gangs. She also addressed the situation of approximately 1,500 Iraqis residing illegally in Finland, expressing her desire to draft a memorandum of understanding for their voluntary return as the optimal solution.