Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, met today, Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ireland, Michael Martin, at the headquarters of the Irish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dealt with strengthening bilateral relations in the political, economic and legal fields, in addition to discussing the conditions and escalation in the Middle East. During the meeting, the Minister stressed the importance of collective action to stop the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, warning that the international division over putting an end to this escalation may lead to the spread of war and the exacerbation of its effects on the global economy. The Minister stressed the importance of developing bilateral relations, explaining that Iraq represents a promising environment for investment, due to its great potential and opportunities, calling on Irish companies and expertise to enter the Iraqi market, especially in the fields of the financial and banking system, agriculture, dairy industry, and health care. During the meeting, a memorandum of political consultations was signed between the two countries, stressing the importance of developing friendly relations to serve the interests of the peoples of the two countries. The memorandum stressed the need to exchange information on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest, which contributes to enhancing mutual understanding. At the end of the meeting, the Minister extended an official invitation to his Irish counterpart to visit Iraq, and the Irish Minister promised to accept the invitation in the near future. Source: National Iraqi News Agency