The meeting was co-chaired by the EU High Representative Kallas and Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, with the participation of Commissioner Šuica and EU Foreign Ministers. It was an opportunity to exchange on bilateral EU-Iraq relations under the 2012 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, as well as on key regional developments, notably the situation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and Iraq’s relations with its neighbours.

The two sides also discussed key priorities in their bilateral cooperation, such as migration, trade, democracy and human rights, development cooperation and energy, reaffirming their commitment to maintain regular institutional dialogue and upgrade exchanges across all areas of mutual interest.

The EU commended Iraq’s constructive diplomatic role in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East and reiterated its strong support for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iraq also acknowledged the continued contribution of the EU Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) towards reforming the Iraqi civilian security sector. The EU recalled Iraq’s significant progress in consolidating stability and preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections on 11 November 2025 as a crucial step in the country’s democratic path, noting the importance of a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process.

Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to shifting focus from security to economic recovery and investments, which the EU continues to support through projects, such as the flagship project around rehabilitation of the old cities of Mosul and Basra, and the engagement with European Financial Institutions. Iraq’s leadership in repatriating its citizens from camps in North-East Syria, to which the EU provides substantial ongoing and upcoming support, such as a new €8 million package, was particularly highlighted and commended.

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