Baku:The Foreign Minister of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, held a meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, to discuss various issues of mutual interest.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting addressed the bilateral relations between Iraq and the Vatican, with Fuad Hussein expressing gratitude for the Vatican’s engagement and commending the appointment of a senior diplomat as Ambassador to Baghdad. This step was seen as a testament to the strong relationship and mutual commitment between the two entities.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the positive impact of Pope Francis’s visit to Iraq, which promoted interfaith dialogue and reinforced the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He noted that the Iraqi government has marked the date of the Pope’s visit as an occasion for national reflection on tolerance and coexistence. Emphasizing the importance of Christian pilgrimages, Hussein invited Archbishop Gallagher and a Vatican delegation to visit the historic city of Ur.

Discussions also covered the status of Christians in Iraq, recognizing them as a vital part of the country’s cultural diversity. Fuad Hussein remarked on Iraq’s political system, which is designed to be inclusive of all societal groups, respecting religious, ethnic, and cultural diversity.

Archbishop Gallagher reaffirmed the Vatican’s support for Iraq’s political process and stability, showing interest in the country’s diverse communities. He also engaged in dialogue about the relationship between Iraq’s federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The meeting further explored regional challenges, the impact of ongoing conflicts, and their implications for Iraq and its neighbors. The Foreign Minister reiterated Iraq’s stance against war, advocating for dialogue and negotiation to resolve disputes and maintain regional security and stability.