Iraqi FM: Constitution, Government Policy Prohibit Use of Iraqi Territory for Armed Activities Against Other Countries
BAGHDAD (NINA) – Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has affirmed that the Iraqi Constitution and government policy prohibit the use of Iraqi territory for any armed activities targeting other countries or threatening their security and stability.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hussein met on Wednesday with British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq and British Consul General in Erbil Holly Vere at the ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad.
At the outset of the meeting, Hussein welcomed the ambassador and consul general, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations between Iraq and the United Kingdom and the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination across various fields in pursuit of their mutual interests.
The British ambassador and consul general congratulated Hussein on the successful conclusion of the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted by Baghdad. They praised the organization and preparations for the event, as well as Iraq’s successful hosting of the diplomatic gathering and its assumption of the council’s presidency.
The meeting addressed political and security developments in the region, current regional challenges, and the impact of conflicts and tensions on regional security and stability. Both sides stressed the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, contain crises, and prevent conflicts from spreading.
The discussions also covered developments in the Gulf region, particularly maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides highlighted the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, protecting international waterways, and maintaining the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies to safeguard economic interests and promote regional and international stability.
The meeting also examined the issue of armed groups and opposition groups operating on Iraqi territory. Hussein stressed that the Iraqi Constitution and government policy prohibit the use of Iraqi territory as a launching ground for armed activities targeting other countries or threatening their security and stability. He reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to the principles of good-neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
The minister explained that the Iraqi government is working to address this issue and take the necessary measures within the legal and constitutional framework to prevent Iraqi territory from being used to undermine the security of other countries, while safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty, security, and stability.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as strengthening bilateral cooperation in ways that serve the interests of both countries and support security and stability across the region./End
