Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein today inaugurated the first Consular Cooperation Forum organized by the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry stated in a statement: "The forum was attended by the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee in the House of Representatives, Dilan Ghafour Saleh, and a number of representatives of the government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and heads of Arab and foreign missions operating in Iraq." The Minister stressed in his speech that holding this forum will enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation in the field of consular work, and support the bonds of friendship and understanding between Iraq and the international community. Hussein added that the Ministry seeks to discuss the best ways to develop and improve consular services in a way that serves the interests of all and enhances bilateral relations with friendly and sisterly countries. He pointed out that the government's orientations aim to achieve the highest levels of efficiency in the services provided to its citizens, including consular services, and to benefit from successful international experiences to support the principle of reciprocity, which represents the cornerstone of cooperation among countries. The Minister pointed out that global acceleration increases the challenges faced by countries in the field of providing consular services, stressing the importance of joint coordination to overcome the obstacles they face and protect the rights and interests of their citizens. He called on Consuls in Diplomatic Missions to interact constructively through this forum and exchange ideas and experiences, to build a strong network of consular cooperation that serves the interests of peoples and enhances the bonds of communication and joint cooperation. The Minister stressed that this forum should be a positive step that paves the way for subsequent steps that consolidate the roots of diplomatic relations. The Forum witnessed the holding of two discussion sessions on the tasks and relationship with missions and their support, with the participation of the Ministries of Interior and Justice and the Supreme Judicial Council. Source: National Iraqi News Agency