Iraqi, Turkish foreign ministers discuss Syria and regional tensions at Doha Forum

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday on the sidelines of the 23rd Doha Forum to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said the talks focused on relations between Iraq and Turkey and ways to deepen cooperation in political, economic and security fields “in ways that serve their mutual interests and support regional stability.”

The discussions also addressed regional and international developments, “especially the situation in Syria,” and underscored the need to promote political and economic stability, encourage investment and support development initiatives to ease hardships facing the Syrian people, the ministry said.

According to the statement, Hussein and Fidan also reviewed tensions involving Iran and stressed the importance of reducing escalation in the region and moving toward political solutions based on dialogue and mutual understanding.

Hussein briefed Fidan on political developments in Iraq, highlighting what he described as a successful electoral process and ongoing consultations to form a new government. He said the post-election period reflects progress in consolidating democracy and strengthening internal stability, the ministry added.

Statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein met on Sunday, 7 December 2025, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the two countries’ participation in the 23rd edition of the Doha Forum.

The meeting discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and Turkey and ways to strengthen cooperation in the political, economic, and security fields in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and supports regional stability.

The two sides also reviewed regional and international developments, particularly the situation in Syria. They emphasized the importance of supporting efforts to achieve political and economic stability and encouraging investment and development initiatives that help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

The discussion additionally covered the situation regarding Iran and the need to reduce tensions in the region and advance political solutions based on dialogue and mutual understanding to reinforce regional security.

Minister Fuad Hussein provided a comprehensive briefing on political developments in Iraq, noting the successful electoral process and the ongoing consultations to form the new government, reflecting progress in consolidating democracy and strengthening internal stability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to continued coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest and to building on the historical and geographical ties between the two countries.