INA - BAGHDAD

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom, David Lammy, confirmed on Monday that his government seeks to avoid expanding the scope of the war and protect Iraq from its repercussions.

Lammy made a phone call with Deputy PM and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, according to a statement by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

The two discussed several issues, including economic aspects and the draft partnership agreement between the two countries, in addition to the issue of dealing with some Iraqis residing in the UK, illegally.

The UK Secretary stressed "the depth and strength of relations between the UK and Iraq," expressing his confidence that "these relations will continue to develop and expand."

Lammy touched on the situation in the Middle East, stressing that "the British government is making great efforts to stop the ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon."

He highlighted that his government "is working hard to avoid expanding the scope of the war and protect Iraq from its repercussions," noting that he is "in continuous communication with all parties to reduce tension."

In turn, Hussein stressed "the importance of working to prevent the expansion of war in the region," noting that "the continued escalation of the war could lead to a social, economic and security catastrophe, which requires all influential countries to move to stop the conflict in Lebanon and Gaza." 

"At the end of the call, Foreign Minister Hussein extended an invitation to his British counterpart to visit Iraq," included the statement.