FM Fuad Hussein Receives Call from His Dutch Counterpart; Discussing Regional Developments and Bilateral Relations

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein received a phone call from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Tom Berendsen, on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

At the outset of the call, H.E. the Dutch Foreign Minister congratulated H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein on the renewal of confidence in him as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the new Iraqi Government, wishing him success in his duties.

For his part, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein reviewed the new Iraqi Government’s approach to the developments and events taking place across the region. H.E. also highlighted the efforts being undertaken to ensure that arms remain exclusively in the hands of the state, including the process of certain factions handing over their weapons, emphasizing the importance of these measures in enhancing stability and security at both the Iraqi and regional levels.

H.E. the Minister also addressed Iraq’s relations with the Gulf countries and the efforts aimed at enhancing and restoring them, stressing the importance of cooperation and coordination with the countries of the region.

The two sides discussed the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and assessed their potential implications for regional security and stability. Their excellencies also examined the risks associated with the continuation of military operations, particularly with regard to the security of international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on the global economy.

The call further addressed the initial trilateral initiative involving the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands aimed at cooperation in ensuring maritime security and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. In this context, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein called on the European Union to put forward a comprehensive initiative that would contribute to ending the war and reaching an agreement that promotes stability, underscoring the importance of an active European role in efforts to resolve the crisis.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the Sixth European–Arab Meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers, scheduled to be held in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan later this month, and discussed ways to further enhance and expand Iraqi–Dutch relations across various fields.

In addition, the two sides addressed Iraq’s economic situation and the challenges arising from difficulties in exporting Iraqi oil, as well as their repercussions on the national economy.

At the conclusion of the call, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein extended an official invitation to his Dutch counterpart to visit Iraq, with a view to enhancing bilateral relations and expanding horizons of cooperation between the two friendly countries.