Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein voiced concerns about how the new US administration will approach regional developments, stressing Iraq’s need for international cooperation to counter the ongoing threat of ISIS.
In a recent interview, Hussein confirmed ongoing discussions with the United States regarding its presence in Iraq and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
He emphasized that Iraq aims to keep security and military decisions under government control rather than in the hands of armed factions, adding that negotiations are underway to disarm these groups.
Hussein also highlighted the direct impact of Syria’s stability on Iraq’s security, warning that between 10,000 and 12,000 ISIS fighters detained in Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) prisons pose a significant risk if released. He called for greater international collaboration to combat ISIS along the Iraq-Syria border.
Regarding regional relations, Hussein stated that discussions with his Turkish counterpart focused on the security situation in Syria and the ongoing ISIS threat. He also noted continuous communication with Syria’s foreign minister, though no official visit to Damascus has been scheduled yet.
Additionally, the Iraqi Prime Minister has directed the head of intelligence to visit Damascus to enhance security cooperation, with a potential visit by the foreign minister to Syria under consideration to further strengthen bilateral ties.
