Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein Receives U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Mr. Michael Rigas

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, received U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Michael Rigas, in Baghdad on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. The meeting discussed avenues to advance bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United States, and examined the ongoing frameworks of joint cooperation across political, economic, and security fields.

The two sides also reviewed regional and international challenges facing the region, including efforts aimed at achieving stability and the need to support dialogue, with a focus on the situations in Syria and Iran, and the importance of working to reduce tensions and build understanding to reinforce security and stability in the region.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein underscored the importance of reducing regional tensions, affirming Iraq’s role in supporting stabilization efforts. H.E. provided an overview of the political developments following the elections, stressing the need to expedite the formation of the federal government within the constitutional timelines, while maintaining balance among political forces to ensure the proper functioning of the democratic process and the activation of both parliament and government, in a manner that contributes to the effective implementation of government programs.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein also praised the positive environment in which the elections were conducted and the increased voter turnout, underscoring the importance of sustaining political stability in the country. H.E. further commended the upcoming opening of the U.S. Consulate in Erbil and its significance in strengthening diplomatic cooperation between the two countries, while emphasizing the need to reopen the U.S. Consulate in Basra.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein stressed the importance of continued coordination between Iraq and the United States and the need to advance cooperation in the fields of economy, infrastructure, and investment, in ways that promote development and encourage the return of American companies to invest in Iraq. H.E. also called for a review of travel advisories to Iraq in light of the security stability the country is witnessing, and to facilitate investment opportunities.

For his part, Mr. Michael Rigas expressed the United States’ appreciation for the progress Iraq has made in strengthening stability and security, affirming his country’s support for the efforts undertaken in this regard. He also noted the importance of continuing regional and international coordination to address economic, political, and security challenges, and affirmed the importance of working within a positive bilateral relationship with the Government of Iraq.