Baghdad:The First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Adnan Faihan al-Dulaimi, has called for the enhancement of the Portuguese diplomatic presence in Iraq and the encouragement of reciprocal visits between the two countries. This was highlighted during a meeting with José Cesário, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities in the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic.

According to Iraqi News Agency, José Cesário confirmed his acceptance of an official invitation to visit the Iraqi Council of Representatives early next year. This visit aims to deepen parliamentary dialogue and consolidate bilateral relations.

During their discussions, Faihan, accompanied by a parliamentary delegation, met with Cesário and several other members of the Portuguese Parliament. The meeting focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and expanding bilateral partnerships between Iraq and Portugal. Faihan emphasized Iraq’s current period of stability and development, highlighting the country’s efforts to diversify its oil export markets and strengthen economic partnerships.

Faihan also stressed the importance of reactivating the Iraq-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Committee and advocated for regular meetings between the two countries’ foreign relations committees. These meetings would aim to track cooperation progress and exchange perspectives on international issues. Moreover, Faihan called for an enhanced Portuguese diplomatic presence in Iraq, the encouragement of reciprocal official and economic visits, and the opening of a Portuguese embassy in Baghdad.

Cesário expressed the Portuguese Parliament’s interest in developing its relations with Iraq and strengthening cooperation across various fields. The planned visit next year is expected to provide an opportunity to further parliamentary dialogue and strengthen ties between the two nations.