Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed that relations between Iraq and Syria are proceeding normally and witnessing mutual official communication. He noted that Baghdad seeks to support Damascus and emphasized the "importance of involving all Syrian components in the comprehensive political process."
A statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued on Thursday (October 16, 2025), stated that "the Mediterranean Dialogues Forum in the Italian city of Naples hosted Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in a second dialogue session that addressed the most prominent current political and regional issues."
The statement added that the session was moderated by journalist Maria Coffaro of the Italian RAI network and Intisar Fakher, founding director of the North Africa and Sahel Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington.
According to the statement, the minister spoke during the session about political developments and changes in the region, reviewing Iraq's position on key regional issues, foremost among them the situation in Gaza.
Hussein affirmed that "the Arab League had approved an Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which was adopted at the Arab Summit, but there are questions regarding the steps related to funding the reconstruction."
Regarding relations between Iraq and Syria, the minister explained that "relations between the two countries are normal and witness mutual official visits. Iraq seeks to support Syria in a way that serves its stability." He noted that "instability in Syria negatively impacts Iraq, and the country does not wish to repeat the experience of the terrorist organization ISIS, which severely impacted the security of the region."
The minister also affirmed that "Iraq provides advice and counsel to our brothers in Syria without interfering in their internal affairs, while emphasizing the importance of involving all Syrian components in the comprehensive political process and building mutual understandings."
In another aspect of his remarks, Hussein explained that "Iraq has previously communicated with both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America to bring their views closer together. However, subsequent steps were not completed due to the political and regional changes that have occurred."
He pointed out that "the primary goal of the Iraqi government is to preserve Iraq's security and stability, given its role as part of the geography of conflict in the region."
The minister explained that "Iraq seeks to be an active party in achieving diplomatic solutions and is dealing with developments with flexibility." and realism that guarantees everyone's interests."
He emphasized that "Iraq maintains balanced and good relations with the United States and seeks to strengthen its relations with the European Union countries, in addition to its distinguished relations with Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries."
The statement concluded that Hussein "addressed the upcoming Iraqi elections," indicating that "Iraq is governed by a democratic system, and that these are the sixth elections since 2005, and that the current political competition is taking place within a peaceful and democratic framework, despite the existence of differences in visions."
He emphasized that "Iraqi society does not wish to be part of any new conflicts or wars in the region after having suffered for so long from the effects of internal and external wars."
Fouad Hussein: We emphasized to Damascus the importance of involving all Syrian components in the comprehensive political process.
