Baghdad:Iraq is actively engaging in ongoing discussions with six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Iran to develop the ‘6+2’ proposal aimed at strengthening regional security. The initiative was confirmed by Iraq’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, during a speech at an event hosted by the European Union.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Foreign Minister Hussein expressed Iraq’s openness to a meeting between the ‘Mecca Alliance’ states and Iran in Tehran. He emphasized the importance of achieving economic integration among regional nations, inspired by the European model of building a common economic market. Hussein highlighted the significant challenges faced by Iraq and the region, stressing the need for joint efforts to ensure regional security and stability.
Hussein further elaborated that Iraq recently proposed the ‘6+2’ format meeting, involving the GCC states, Iraq, and Iran, to enhance cooperation and regional security. He mentioned that there are ongoing communications with several regional foreign ministers to refine and advance this concept. He also noted that proposing a regional security framework does not imply excluding the United States or the European Union, as achieving regional security requires international collaboration.
The Foreign Minister underscored the interconnectedness of security and economic development, advocating for strengthened regional cooperation to foster stability and shared economic growth. He expressed Iraq’s aspiration to adopt the European experience in establishing a common economic market and to work towards economic integration with countries like Turkey, Iran, and Syria, in addition to the Gulf states.
Hussein also highlighted the diverse economic potential and resources within the region, emphasizing the importance of economic integration to leverage these assets. He reaffirmed Iraq’s vision of fostering economic collaboration with its neighbors to contribute to an integrated regional economy.
The Minister noted the longstanding relations between Iraq and the European Union, anchored in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. He expressed Iraq’s intention to benefit from the European experience in building institutions for economic cooperation and integration, reflecting on the European Union’s journey from division to cooperation and peace.
Hussein commended the support from the European Union, NATO, and individual European nations in Iraq’s fight against terrorism, acknowledging the contributions of European forces in military operations. He expressed gratitude for the support in armament, training, and military equipment following the departure of International Coalition forces from Iraq.
In conclusion, Hussein highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Iraq and the European Union across various sectors and praised the role of European companies in building Iraq’s economy and fostering opportunities for cooperation and investment.
Source Iraqi News Agency