Baghdad: Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has affirmed Iraq's commitment to strengthening its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Minister Hussein received GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi at the Ministry building, highlighting the importance of the visit in enhancing relations between Iraq and the GCC countries.

Minister Hussein expressed hope that the visit would contribute to greater rapprochement and cooperation, serving the shared interests of the Iraqi and Gulf peoples. He emphasized the new government's aspiration to build strong and balanced relations with the GCC countries, aiming to develop ties across various fields to strengthen common interests and prevent any factors that could harm the historical and fraternal ties.

Minister Hussein commended the existing level of relations and stressed the importance of continuous development and enhancement. He reviewed the challenges and circumstances the region has faced in recent years and their impact on relations with Iraq's Gulf neighbors.

Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi congratulated the Iraqi government on its formation and expressed optimism about the positive steps it could take to strengthen bilateral relations. He emphasized the GCC's aspiration to expand cooperation with Iraq and explained that his visit to Baghdad was directed by the GCC member states to convey a message of commitment to developing relations with Iraq and enhancing joint cooperation.

Al-Budaiwi appreciated the Iraqi government's measures, including referring cases of attacks on Gulf states to judicial authorities, ensuring prosecution and accountability under the law. The visit concluded with a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where both parties discussed ways to strengthen Iraqi-Gulf relations and cooperation in various fields.