Iraq, UK discuss Strait of Hormuz navigation security in Baghdad meeting

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met UK Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq in Baghdad on Friday to discuss the latest developments regarding international navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz and their potential impact on energy markets, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said. According to a ministry statement, Hussein also raised the effect of those developments on global energy and trade, as well as the contribution of ongoing contacts and negotiations between the United States and Iran to regional stability. The two sides reviewed Iraq's diplomatic efforts to strengthen regional dialogue and ways to expand bilateral cooperation in political, economic and security fields. They stressed the importance of continuing consultations on regional and international issues to reinforce the Iraq–UK partnership in line with shared interests. No further details on specific measures or agreements were immediately available.