TEHRAN – Iraqi Foreign Minister Huad Hussein emphasizes the depth and strategic nature of Iraq-Iran relations, saying that the partnership between the two countries is beyond geography and is rooted in cultural, social, religious and economic ties.
In an interview with the official Iraqi news agency, Hussein discussed Iraq’s foreign policy priorities, relations with neighbours and Western countries, the country’s democratic processes, and efforts to tackle the ongoing water and climate crisis.
Hussein said Iraq’s foreign policy has evolved from post-war reconstruction to aggressive regional diplomacy.
“Iraq has transformed from a country struggling with internal challenges to something that contributes to the resolution of conflicts between other countries,” he said.
He said Baghdad held five rounds of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as the first meeting between Egypt and Qatar and Egypt and Iran, demonstrating Iraq’s new role as a mediator in the region.
The minister emphasized the longstanding multidimensional connections between Tehran and Baghdad, saying that the two countries “share long borders and strong social, cultural, religious and economic ties.”
He described Iran as a strategic neighbour whose stability is essential to Iraq’s own safety and growth.
The relationship between the two neighbors is expanding. In March 2023, Iran and Iraq signed a security agreement in Baghdad, covering coordination to protect shared borders.
Iran is also a leading supplier of natural gas in Iraq, accounting for 45% of the 14,000 megawatt country’s daily electricity consumption.