“In principle, it is difficult for us to support war. That’s why in principle, we always try to be part of the solution,” said Hussein, referring to Iraq’s experience with decades of war and conflict.
“Baghdad is ready to mediate if asked to,” he added.
Hussein and Kuleba met prior to the presser, to discuss the war in Ukraine and ways to boost Baghdad-Kyiv relations.
Kuleba expressed Ukraine’s appreciation of Iraq’s support during the Russian invasion, saying that Baghdad’s stance is a testament to the principles that Hussein mentioned.
“Iraq has supported Ukraine on the international stage since the beginning of the large-scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine. We particularly appreciate the positive votes of Iraq in the United Nations General Assembly. It is a clear message that for Iraq, principles matter,” he said.
In March 2022, Iraq abstained from voting against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a United Nations resolution.
The Ukrainian foreign minister welcomed Hussein’s call for peace, but stressed that any ceasefire must demand the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
The two ministers also addressed the impact of the war on global oil prices and the need to develop Kyiv-Baghdad relations in various sectors including trade and education.
“I think we can achieve a lot together by going through all of the aspects of our bilateral relations and identifying common projects,” said Kuleba.
The war in Ukraine contributed to a rise in oil prices as countries across the world slammed strict sanctions on Russia. Global food prices also soared. Both Ukraine and Russia are major exporters of foodstuffs.
Kuleba is expected to meet with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani while in Baghdad.
Sudani received a phone call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week. The two leaders highlighted the need to reach a lasting peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine and agreed to activate and increase cooperation between them.
A delegation comprising of the Arab League secretary-general and the foreign ministers of Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, and Sudan met with Russia’s Sergey Lavrov in Moscow in April 2022 to help reach a political settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
Hussein in February called for a ceasefire in Ukraine during a press conference in Baghdad with Lavrov.
