Iraq: We are working to hold a meeting between Iran and Gulf countries in Baghdad

Hussein said: "There are ongoing contacts between Iraq, the Gulf states, and Iran in order to bridge viewpoints."

He added: "We are working to hold a meeting in Baghdad between Iran and the Gulf states," without specifying a date for the anticipated meeting or the level of participation in it.

The Iraqi efforts come in light of the repercussions of the recent war on regional security and navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and the need for understandings between the countries of the region.

In this context, a joint statement issued by the Sultanate of Oman and Iran on August 25 linked the navigation situation in the Strait of Hormuz to the recent war and its repercussions, and stressed the importance of conducting joint discussions with regional countries bordering the Gulf waters.

On the sidelines of the OIC meetings, Hussein discussed regional developments and peace paths with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday, according to a statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, Hussein affirmed Baghdad's position calling for reaching peaceful solutions to regional crises through dialogue and diplomatic means.

Regarding the OIC meetings, the Iraqi minister announced the conclusion of the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers and the adoption of the "Baghdad Declaration," with the participation of 55 countries.

Hussein said that the Palestinian cause topped the session's agenda, expressing his pride in his country hosting the meetings.

He added: "Baghdad was honored to host the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation."

For his part, the organization's Secretary-General, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, affirmed cooperation with Baghdad to follow up on the outcomes of the meetings, saying: "We will work with Iraq to follow up on the implementation of the decisions of the 52nd session."

In a meeting held in the Iraqi capital, Hussein and Ould Cheikh Ahmed agreed to support political and economic initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation and solidarity among member states, according to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

The meeting also addressed practical steps to activate Iraq's presidency of the Council of Foreign Ministers and to enhance the organization's role in facing the political and economic challenges facing Islamic societies.

Iraq hosted the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers on October 17-18, under the theme "Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Fundamental Pillars for Enhancing Peace and Sustainable Development," with the participation of 55 countries, and it concluded with the adoption of the "Baghdad Declaration."