The Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, discussed today Thursday with the new US Chargé d'Affaires to Iraq, Ambassador Stephen Fagin, the implications of the new and tightened US economic sanctions imposed on Iran and their potential impacts on Iraq, along with the latest developments in the political and security situation in the region.
The Foreign Ministry stated in a statement received by the news agency Video, that Hussein welcomed Fagin in Baghdad, in the presence of Deputy Ambassador Arne Nottinen and Senior Advisor Ali Hassoun, wishing the Chargé d'Affaires success in his duties, while Fagin extended his congratulations to the minister on the occasion of renewing his trust in the new government.
It added that the meeting addressed the developments in the Iraqi political scene and the process of completing the formation of the government, as well as the political and security situations, and the governmental steps related to restricting arms to the state, along with the political movement and upcoming foreign visits of the Prime Minister.
The two sides also discussed Iraq's relations with Gulf countries and neighboring states in the post-US-Iran war phase, and the repercussions of the war and subsequent developments on the regional situation and relationships, in addition to views regarding the future of coordination and communication among the countries in the region.
In the economic aspect, the Foreign Minister pointed out that Iraq is affected by the repercussions of the war in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that the Iraqi economy's dependence primarily on oil exports and the revenues arising from it makes it vulnerable to regional developments and the movement of crude exports.
Hussein emphasized that the tightened US sanctions on Iran may have repercussions on Iraq, especially given the existing trade and economic ties between the two countries, which necessitates discussing the consequences of these measures and mechanisms for dealing with them in a way that protects Iraqi economic interests.