Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Doha

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fuad Hussein, met on Sunday, 7 December 2025, with Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the cultural sector and explored ways to further strengthen the partnership between Iraq and Qatar through cultural diplomacy, aiming to broaden the scope of cultural exchange between the two countries.

Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa expressed her interest in hosting a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the late, world-renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, recognizing her as one of the leading creative figures on the international stage. Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed Iraq’s full readiness to support this initiative, in coordination with the relevant Iraqi ministries and institutions.

The discussions also addressed mechanisms to enhance cultural cooperation and facilitate exchanges between institutions specializing in arts and museums, with both sides emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange as a key tool of soft diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties.

Minister Hussein highlighted Iraq’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and developing its archaeological and touristic cities, particularly Ur and Babylon, and the ongoing efforts to revive historic sites and reinforce their cultural visibility.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister extended an official invitation to Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa to visit Iraq and experience its cultural and historical sites, including the Iraqi National Museum. She welcomed the invitation and expressed her strong interest in visiting Iraq, a step that would further deepen cultural cooperation between the two countries.