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

Baghdad-INA 

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed, today, Friday, 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 the Iraqis whose asylum applications were rejected.

The ministry said, in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received a phone call from Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Bilstrom," noting that "during the call, they discussed 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 countries.

In addition to that, "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 on the political, security, and economic conditions, in addition to the energy file.

The minister stressed, according to the statement, that "the Iraqi government is serious about discussing the file of illegal immigration and working to find common solutions for the voluntary return of Iraqi citizens whose asylum applications were rejected by the European Union countries, and stressing that responsibility must be solidarity. It is important to strengthen ties between Iraq and Europe.".

For his part, the Swedish Foreign Minister affirmed "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."