New york: Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reaffirmed Iraq’s keenness to strengthen cooperation and expand areas of partnership with Australia in a way that serves the interests of both countries.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the Foreign Minister’s office said that Hussein met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong at Iraq’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

The statement added that Minister Wong congratulated Iraq on the success of its presidency of the Group of 77 and China, praising its role in supporting multilateral action. The talks focused on developing bilateral relations and enhancing joint coordination, in addition to exchanging views on regional and international issues of common concern.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Shorsh Khalid Saeed and Iraq’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Luqman Al-Faili.