Iraqi Foreign Minister Discusses Economic and Security Files with Kuwait

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein discussed several economic and security files during his official visit to Kuwait, including freezing funds deposited in Kuwaiti banks belonging to suspects in corruption cases, in addition to demarcating borders and enhancing cooperation in the energy field.

A government source said the Iraqi government seeks to strengthen relations with Gulf countries, noting that Hussein carried several files, including 'funds smuggled abroad, which some of those involved in embezzling public funds were smuggling through Kuwait and depositing in Kuwaiti banks.'

The source added that the two sides discussed 'a mechanism for freezing those funds, securing their return to Iraqi authorities, and depositing them in the Recovered Stolen Funds Fund,' in addition to coordinating to expose shell companies and refer them to the judiciary.

Regarding borders, the source said Kuwait expressed readiness to reach understandings on demarcating maritime borders, noting that the security file was present in the discussions, especially the shared border between the two countries.

Iraq is seeking satisfactory middle-ground solutions for both parties regarding contentious files such as maritime border demarcation and others, without negative excesses that would affect the nature of relations between the two countries.

In the energy file, the source clarified that Kuwait expressed readiness to help Iraq overcome the electricity crisis through agreements to supply it with gas and electricity.

Release of Iraqi fishermen: Hussein announced on Wednesday/Thursday night that Kuwaiti authorities had agreed to release Iraqi fishermen detained by the Kuwaiti Coast Guard last week, confirming they would arrive in Basra later today.

Hussein said in a statement that the fishermen would return accompanied by the Basra governor after completing procedures, noting that the step came in response to a request by the Iraqi delegation during its meeting with the Kuwaiti Interior Minister.

Iraqi-Kuwaiti relations witness repeated tensions, including issues of fisherman detention and maritime border demarcation, especially after regional tensions escalated since last February.