Iraqi, UAE foreign ministers discuss government formation, regional developments

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone call on Monday to discuss bilateral relations, government formation in Iraq, and developments in the region, according to a statement from Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said Hussein and Al Nahyan reviewed ties “between the two brotherly countries and ways to enhance them.”

The two sides also emphasized the need to advance economic cooperation. The statement said the call highlighted “the importance of developing economic cooperation between Iraq and the UAE and moving forward with signing relevant agreements in a way that serves the mutual interests of both countries.”

On regional developments, the discussion focused on Syria. Hussein stressed “the necessity of joint action to achieve stability, avoid escalation, and resort to peaceful solutions within the framework of the international system.”

Heavy fighting broke out this week in Aleppo’s predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh, with residents and Kurdish-led forces coming under assault as Syrian government forces and allied fighters advanced. The violence displaced civilians and ended with an evacuation and withdrawal deal that saw Kurdish fighters and families leave the area.

Hussein also outlined current steps in Iraq’s government formation process and ongoing political efforts to ensure a “smooth formation and the establishment of an effective government capable of meeting the aspirations of the Iraqi people.”

Voters across Iraq went to the polls in November to elect all 329 members of the Council of Representatives. In late December, the newly formed parliament chose Haibat al-Halbousi as its speaker.

Reports circulating late Saturday suggested Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had agreed to step aside in favor of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as the Shiite Coordination Framework weighs its nominee for the next government.