The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, discussed today, Thursday, with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, bilateral relations and key political developments in Iraq and the region, reviewing efforts to confine arms to the state and the rejection of war.
The Foreign Ministry stated in a statement received by the News Video Agency that the meeting expressed gratitude for the warm reception, emphasizing the importance of the relations that connect the Republic of Iraq with the Vatican and the commitment to develop them and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He added that he referred to the historic visit made by Pope Francis to Iraq in 2021 and the important messages it carried to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and dialogue among religions, recalling his visit to the ancient city of Ur in Dhi Qar Province, the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, and announcing the day of the visit as a national occasion for tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The statement continued that the meeting discussed the situation of Christians in Iraq and the efforts made to ensure their rights and the rights of other religious components in accordance with what is guaranteed by the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Christian presence as an integral part of the social and historical fabric of Iraq.
The Foreign Minister emphasized the need to encourage Iraqi Christians residing abroad to strengthen their ties to their homeland and return to their original areas to contribute to their reconstruction and stability, addressing the situation of Christians in the Nineveh Plain and preparing suitable conditions to ensure their security and stability and preserve their presence in their historical areas.
He clarified that he reviewed the political and economic developments in Iraq and the challenges facing the government, touching on the efforts of the Prime Minister and political forces aimed at confining arms to the state and strengthening the authority of constitutional institutions to establish stability.
He pointed out that the meeting discussed the developments of the conflict and ongoing war in the region, affirming the Iraqi government's principled position rejecting war and the necessity of relying on dialogue and peaceful means to address crises, calling for intensifying efforts and pressure on the concerned parties to return to the negotiation table and avoid the expansion of the conflict.
The Minister provided an explanation of the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, emphasizing the importance of continuing dialogue to address outstanding issues and reach consensual solutions that enhance Iraq's unity and stability, extending an invitation to Cardinal Pietro Parolin to visit Iraq and affirming the importance of maintaining communication and coordination between the two sides.