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Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, in statements following his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein in Baghdad, stressed that “we look forward to a stable political environment in Iraq that will provide fertile ground on which to build.” During his visit to Iraq, he emphasised that relations between the two countries and peoples date back to ancient times and noted that Iraq is one of Greece's most important trading partners. Gerapetritis and Hussein also discussed prospects for further promoting economic cooperation in investment, energy, academia, tourism, agriculture, construction, and water management technology. They also agreed to leverage economic relations with the aim of increasing the volume of bilateral trade. “The 9th Session of our Joint Interministerial Committee, which took place 10 days ago between the two deputy ministers here in Baghdad, was a promising step in this direction,” said Gerapetritis. Gerapetritis also stressed that direct flights between Athens and Erbil will begin in December by Aegean Airlines, and noted that Greece will be the first country among the European Union states to have a direct air link with Baghdad. He also pointed out that Greece, as an elected member of the UN Security Council for 2025–2026 is a staunch supporter of international law, including the law of the sea, and is committed to the rules and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. He described Iraq as one of the most influential countries in the area and noted that Greece is ready to support the strengthening of relations between the European Union and Iraq, as well as the economic development in the wider region. Gerapetris also noted that Greece will hold the presidency of the Forum of Ancient Civilisations for 2025, and he invited his Iraqi counterpart to the upcoming 9th Ministerial Meeting in Athens on December.
