In a pivotal diplomatic exchange, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein reaffirmed that Iraq “will not be a war arena,” underscoring the nation’s unwavering stance on maintaining its sovereignty and preventing foreign conflicts from taking place on Iraqi soil. This declaration came during a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau in Rome, held on the sidelines of the global coalition summit aimed at defeating the terrorist organization Daesh. The two ministers discussed enhancing bilateral relations and explored opportunities for joint cooperation across various fields, with a particular focus on security, stability, and anti-terrorism efforts.

Bilateral Cooperation and Joint Efforts Against Terrorism

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between Iraq and its international allies. He specifically commended Canada’s role within the global coalition in the fight against Daesh and acknowledged the need for continued cooperation to combat extremist ideologies. Hussein emphasized Iraq’s ongoing efforts to eradicate the remnants of terrorism within its borders, noting that the Iraqi government is dedicated to confronting terrorist threats through diplomatic channels and military action.

In discussing Iraq’s sovereignty, Hussein made it clear that Iraq is committed to protecting its borders and would not permit external forces to use its territory for proxy wars or as a battleground for foreign disputes. He called for an end to violations of Iraqi sovereignty, stressing that the country’s stability is tied to respecting these boundaries. As part of Iraq’s broader strategy, Hussein emphasized the government’s focus on maintaining coordination with international partners to foster peace and security in the region. The Iraqi government is also preparing for upcoming elections, with an aim to strengthen democratic processes and renew the people’s trust in political engagement.

Canada’s Continued Support for Iraq’s Stability and Peace

In response, Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau expressed Canada’s full support for Iraq’s efforts to achieve security, stability, and territorial integrity. He highlighted Canada’s commitment to fostering long-term cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the realm of de-escalating regional tensions. Garneau praised Iraq’s leadership in stabilizing the region and fighting terrorism and reiterated that Canada will continue to assist Iraq in its efforts to combat extremism and rebuild its war-torn areas. Both ministers agreed that diplomatic coordination remains essential to preventing future conflicts, with Garneau stressing that Canada would work alongside Iraq to ensure that calm and peace are sustained.

The discussions between Hussein and Garneau showcased the strength of Iraq-Canada relations, especially in the context of global security concerns. While both nations face their own internal and external challenges, the shared commitment to defeating terrorism and maintaining peace signals a promising future for continued collaboration. Their mutual goal is to ensure that Iraq remains a stable and sovereign state, free from the threat of becoming an arena for foreign wars.

Iraq’s firm stance, reiterated by Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, that it “will not be a war arena” is a clear message to the international community. Iraq’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and its commitment to security and stability is steadfast. With Canada’s continued support, Iraq aims to bolster its defense against terrorism and rebuild trust in its political institutions through diplomatic efforts and international cooperation. This partnership marks a significant step toward a peaceful and sovereign Iraq.