Publishes the text of the joint declaration of the European Union and Iraq in the Brussels meetings

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Foreign Minister: The government is serious about strengthening ties between Iraq and Europe

second and third  2023/03/18

 

 

 Baghdad: morning

 

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein pointed out, while receiving a phone call from his Swedish counterpart, Tobias Bilstrom, that the government is serious about strengthening ties between Iraq and Europe, discussing the file of illegal immigration and working to find common solutions regarding Iraqis whose asylum applications were rejected.

During the call, according to a statement by the ministry, they discussed "the relations between the two countries, and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in order to achieve the aspirations of the two friendly peoples, especially in the field of energy, trade, financial banks, transportation, immigration, and the situation of Iraqis in the European Union."

The statement added, "The meeting discussed the investment file and the transfer of experiences in various fields, and the importance of exchanging political support in international forums was also focused."

He continued, "The two sides discussed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, and the two ministers touched on the meeting to be held with European Union foreign ministers and senior officials in Brussels, next Sunday, headed by Minister Fuad Hussein, within the framework of the partnership and cooperation agreement between Iraq and the European Union." In which all 27 foreign ministers of the European Union will participate, and the minister will present the vision of the new Iraqi government regarding the political, security, and economic conditions, in addition to the energy file.

For his part, the Swedish Foreign Minister reaffirmed "Sweden's great interest in developing relations between the two friendly countries in all fields, in a way that will reflect positively on the peoples of the two countries," referring to "his country's support for the Iraqi government in the fight against terrorism."

He noted the "support of Swedish non-governmental organizations for the displaced and the reconstruction of the affected areas," stressing that "the issue of immigration from Iraq is at the top of the agenda at the meeting of foreign ministers of the Union countries."

The Foreign Minister extended an official invitation to his Swedish counterpart to visit Iraq within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

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The foreign minister arrives in Brussels

• Time: 03/19/2023 10:06:20
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{Politics: Al Furat News} Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and his accompanying delegation, arrived at dawn today, Sunday, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on an official three-day visit, to participate in the third session of the Cooperation Council between Iraq and the European Union.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, a copy of which received {Euphrates News} that Hussein "will hold an expanded meeting with all European Union foreign ministers, and will hold several bilateral meetings, as he will meet with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in the European Union, Josep Borrell, and the European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutah Orpelainen, Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stotelberg, and Secretary of State for Migration of the Kingdom of Belgium.

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Foreign Ministry: Formation of a sub-committee specialized in development cooperation between Iraq and the European Union

• Time: 03/20/2023 12:38:56
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{Politics: Al Furat News} Today, Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the formation of a sub-committee specialized in development cooperation between Iraq and the European Union.

And the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement, received by {Euphrates News}, that "Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in the European Union presided over the work of the third session of the Iraqi-European Cooperation Council in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with the participation of undersecretaries of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. Transport, Environment, Head of the Europe Department in the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the European Union and the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Berlin, representatives of the Ministries of Trade, Oil and Finance, representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government and from the European side, the Foreign Ministers of Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Greece and Denmark, the Commissioner for Migration in the European Union and representatives of departments concerned.” 

The statement added, "During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were discussed, foremost of which was trade and economic cooperation and ways to develop it, and investing the existing capabilities of both sides, especially cooperation in the field of energy and the support that the European Union can provide to Iraq in developing the infrastructure of the oil and gas sector, in addition to Discussing issues of financial cooperation, the environment and immigration. 

For his part, Josep Borrell and the foreign ministers of the European Union member states affirmed their support for Iraq and its government in its endeavor to implement its governmental program in combating corruption and building a democratic state in which human rights principles prevail.

The European side also praised the pivotal role played by Iraq in the region as a factor of stability, especially its role in the Saudi-Iranian agreement.

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The Secretary General of NATO meets with the Iraqi Foreign Minister

 

 March 21, 2023

 Creation time: 12:30 AM

 Last update: 12:30 AM

 Number of readings: 217

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Brussels, Mar. 21 (BNA): Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein at the NATO headquarters in the Belgian capital, Brussels, today, Monday, where he praised 

Iraq's efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability.

 

A statement issued by the alliance stated that the Secretary-General of NATO expressed his thanks to Iraq for its commitment to strengthening its partnership with NATO, especially with regard to combating international terrorism and promoting stability in the region. 

 

 The Secretary-General stated that his meeting with the Iraqi Foreign Minister is a way to evaluate and exchange views on how to strengthen partnership between the two sides, stressing that NATO's efforts in Iraq stem from full respect for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

[VIRGINPARADIZE]

Iraq behaves as if it has lost it's way in today's world. While other ME nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran are making amends in order to fulfill the needs of joining China's BRI and developing BRICS nations, Iraq has contracted amnesia and wants to suck up to NATO and an already collapsed European Union. Time will tell. 

[southbeach]

Maybe Iraq has many financial and otherwise contracts with Washington that were agreed to long before todays BRIC Bank nominees/member States.

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The European Parliament is in the process of establishing the Parliamentary Partnership Committee with Iraq

• Time: 03/21/2023 14:32:05
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{Politics: Al Furat News} The Committee on Relations with Iraq in the European Parliament hosted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein and his accompanying delegation at the Parliament headquarters in Brussels.

A statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of which {Euphrates News} received a copy, stated that "during the meeting, they discussed enhancing prospects for cooperation between the two sides and ways to enhance the work of the Iraq Committee in the European Parliament in a way that serves the development of bilateral relations and the implementation of mutual obligations in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Iraq and the European Union."

The European side stressed that "the European Parliament is in the process of final approvals to establish a joint parliamentary partnership committee between the two sides, which was agreed to be formed during the European delegation's visit to Iraq."

The minister stressed "the important role that parliamentary diplomacy plays in strengthening relations between Iraq and the European Union, stressing the need to strengthen this important role." 

The deputies exchanged views with the minister on developments in the political, economic and security situation in Iraq, and praised the positive steps taken by the Iraqi government in the areas of developing the economy, combating corruption, and linking this government with political stability.

The minister referred to "the Iraqi government's priorities represented in respecting sovereignty, building balanced relations with regional and international actors, and moving away from the policy of axes, in addition to the government's primary mission to advance the economic reality by carrying out radical economic reforms and combating corruption."

The minister stressed that "Iraq has become a positive regional actor, as the Baghdad 1 and 2 conferences led to a great rapprochement between many regional powers, and the recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Iraq had a major role in preparing for it and making it possible." 

At the end of the meeting, the minister stressed "the importance of the role played by the European Union in supporting Iraq in its serious steps towards strengthening the democratic system, which led to confirming the principle of peaceful transfer of power and the development of civil society and free media in Iraq after decades of dictatorship."

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Receiving an invitation to visit the NATO headquarters in Brussels.. Al-Araji stresses the importance of cooperation with NATO in this file

• Time: 03/21/2023 15:20:44
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{Umniah: Al Furat News} The National Security Adviser, Qassem Al-Araji, received an invitation to visit the NATO headquarters in Brussels during his reception with the Supreme Commander of the coalition forces in Europe, Lieutenant General Christopher J. Cavoli, and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the NATO mission commander in Iraq, Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Inucci.

The meeting witnessed, according to a statement by Al-Araji's media office, a copy of which {Euphrates News} received, "a review of the work of the NATO mission in Iraq, and a discussion of continuing cooperation in the field of consulting and training, and expanding work in the field of training the federal police, as well as discussing files and issues of common concern, to In addition to discussing the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, and its impact on the region and the world.

Al-Araji assured the guest delegation that "the continuation of the Russian-Ukrainian war cast a shadow over the crises in many countries, reaffirming the importance of resorting to dialogue and negotiations to resolve international crises."

Al-Araji also indicated that "Iraq seeks to benefit from NATO's expertise in order to develop the capabilities of its security forces," pointing out that "the terrorist ISIS threat is still continuing and threatens the international community and world peace."

Al-Araji stressed "the importance of cooperation with the NATO mission in the field of intelligence and cyber security, in a way that develops Iraqi capabilities in this field."

For his part, the Supreme Commander of the Coalition Forces in Europe expressed NATO's aspiration to work with the Iraqi security services in the field of training, consultation and capacity development, especially training Iraqi cadres in the field of cybersecurity, inviting the National Security Adviser, Qassem Al-Araji, to visit the headquarters of the coalition. NATO in Brussels, in order to strengthen joint cooperation.

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The Foreign Minister chairs the Iraqi-European Cooperation Council meeting

2023-03-20 06:04

 

 

 

Shafaq News/ The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Hussein, chaired the third session of the Iraqi-European Cooperation Council in the Belgian capital, Brussels, to discuss trade and economic cooperation and ways to develop it.

 

 

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stated, in a statement received by Shafaq News agency, that the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in the European Union, Josep Borrell, chaired the work of the third session of the Iraqi-European Cooperation Council, with the participation of the undersecretaries of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Transport and Environment and the head of the Europe Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the European Union and the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Berlin, representatives of the Ministries of Trade, Oil and Finance, and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and on the European side, the Foreign Ministers of Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Greece and Denmark, the Commissioner for Migration in the European Union and representatives of the relevant departments.

During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were discussed, foremost of which was trade and economic cooperation and ways to develop it, and investing the existing capabilities of the two sides, especially cooperation in the field of energy and the support that the European Union can provide to Iraq in developing the infrastructure for the oil and gas sector, in addition to discussing issues of financial cooperation. environment and migration.

For his part, Josep Borrell and the foreign ministers of the European Union member states affirmed their support for Iraq and its government in its endeavor to implement its governmental program in combating corruption and building a democratic state in which human rights principles prevail.

The European side also praised the pivotal role played by Iraq in the region as a factor of stability, especially its role in the Saudi-Iranian agreement.

During the meeting, the formation of a sub-committee specialized in development cooperation between Iraq and the European Union was announced.

On the sidelines of the third session of the Cooperation Council between Iraq and the European Union, Fuad Hussein met with Josep Borrell, and during the meeting they discussed issues of common interest between Iraq and the European Union and ways to strengthen relations between the two sides.

Hussein indicated the importance of the partnership and cooperation agreement that frames the relationship with the European Union.

They also discussed the work of the three committees emanating from the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the work mechanisms in the next phase that would put the distinguished relationship between the Republic of Iraq and the European Union on the ground.

For his part, Borrell affirmed the European Union's commitment to the terms of the agreement and the frameworks for activating it, pointing to Iraq's geopolitical importance to the European Union, and the effective role of Iraqi diplomacy in the region. 

They discussed the current regional and international situation of concern to both sides.

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Finland praises Iraq's role in calming the region's crises

2023-03-20 06:08

 

 

Shafaq News/ The Finnish Foreign Minister praised, on Monday, Iraq's constructive role in calming the crises in the region.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said, in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, met with his Finnish counterpart, Pekka Haavisto, on the sidelines of the meetings of the third session of the Iraqi-European Cooperation Council in Brussels, in the presence of the Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Head of the Europe Department. And the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the European Union. 

 

And she indicated that during the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries and exchanging views on issues of common interest, developments on the regional and international arena, the repercussions of the current crises and their impacts on the Middle East and the world, particularly the Syrian crisis, the Russian-Ukrainian war, the Palestinian issue, and ways to enhance calm after the situation. Tensions escalated in the occupied territories.

 

The Iraqi minister praised the active role of the member states of the European Union, including Finland, and their support for Iraq in various fields. 

 

For his part, the Finnish Foreign Minister affirmed his country's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Iraq and the European Union, praising Iraq's constructive role in calming crises in the region.

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{Al Furat News} publishes the text of the joint declaration of the European Union and Iraq in the Brussels meetings

• Time: 03/21/2023 21:10:22
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{Local: Al Furat News} The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the text of the joint declaration by the European Union and Iraq for the meetings of the third session of the Iraqi-European Cooperation Council held in Brussels on March 19 on sustainable development, green transformation, governance, regional interdependence and sustainable financing.

 

Within the framework of implementing the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between Iraq and the European Union in 2012, the two sides are working to strengthen and deepen cooperation frameworks between them in order to advance economic reforms and sustainable green transformation.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, Iraq and the European Union recognize the great importance of sustainable social development and the need for it to go hand in hand with economic development. The two sides stress the need to enhance and consolidate cooperation between them in various areas of common interest, based on the foundations of respect for sovereignty, equality, non-discrimination, the rule of law, good governance, taking into account environmental conditions and mutual benefit. The two sides also realize Iraq's need for European Union support to continue its efforts in conducting political reforms and rehabilitation. The economist.

In this regard, Iraq and the European Union recognize the need to address the phenomenon of climate change at the global level and in line with their international commitments and the Paris Climate Agreement, in particular. Therefore, the two sides are determined to work to achieve the goals of sustainable development as part of those efforts and to make progress in removing carbon emissions in areas of energy and transportation. Both sides consider close cooperation to enhance regional connectivity through digital, energy and transportation networks to promote stability and sustainable peace in the Middle East as vital.

 

This cooperation includes mobilizing sustainable financing sources in order to achieve these goals to meet the large investment needs in Iraq and the region, especially through potential cooperation between Iraq and European development and trade finance institutions. These efforts are in line with the European Union's Green Deal and Global Gate initiatives.

 

1. Sustainable development and green transition:

The European Union appreciates Iraq's commitment to encouraging renewable energy sources, improving the country's energy potential and efficiency, and its orientation towards the green energy sector. Iraq and the European Union also attach great importance to the issue of reforming the electricity and gas market in Iraq, including the modernization of the electrical system network, and agreed on the need to take measures to reduce unnecessary gas flaring as much as possible and to replace it with the use of stored gas in the production of electricity for domestic consumption.

- The European Union commends Iraq's ratification of the Paris Agreement and encourages it to move forward in pursuing the steps required to implement its contribution at the national level. 

- In light of Iraq's extreme vulnerability to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, Iraq and the European Union recognize the importance of setting clear goals and intensifying the most urgent measures to address the challenges associated with reducing emissions, including emissions leaks, water management, and adaptation to climate change. 

- Iraq and the European Union agree on the role that decarbonization pathways can play, especially in the electricity sector, in terms of increasing the rate of incremental growth and productivity gains. 
The European Union expressed its readiness to assist Iraq in facing the challenges of climate adaptation and environmental degradation urgently by moving towards sustainable, fair and flexible economic policies.

 

2. Governance:
Iraq and the European Union reaffirm their cooperation on (re-) Iraq's commitment to conducting additional reforms that include regulatory frameworks, providing an enabling environment for the private sector, as well as diagnosing and developing governance on a broader scale and providing basic services, as well as improving transparency and fighting corruption.

 

3. Regional Connectivity:
Iraq and the European Union intend to enhance their cooperation on improving regional electrical interconnection and promoting stronger transportation links in the region. Moreover, both sides reaffirm the field of air safety as a major priority in their bilateral relations. The EU also continues to engage with the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) and will monitor private safety capabilities.

 

4. Sustainable financing:
The European Union supports the efforts of the Government of Iraq to address the underlying structural imbalances and advance the required reforms in the areas of economic diversification, strengthening the private sector, economic empowerment of women and attracting investments in order to address the challenges of unemployment and focus on youth, women and the displaced in particular.

 

The European Union, in cooperation with European development financing institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, expressed their readiness to work more closely with the Iraqi government to enhance its participation with financial institutions to advance the development of the private sector, including the banking sector, and to improve the country's investment environment through diversification of sources and sustainability. And inclusiveness by providing support for investments in Iraq in line with the priorities of the European Union's global climate portal.