Secretary-General’s Activities in Iraq from 15 to 18 May

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres made a significant visit to Baghdad from May 15 to May 18, 2023, to participate in the League of Arab States Summit. His trip included meetings with various leaders, where he addressed pressing regional issues, including the situation in Gaza and the ongoing crises in several Arab nations. Guterres emphasized the importance of cooperation among nations to achieve peace and stability in the region.

Meetings with Iraqi Leadership

Upon his arrival in Baghdad, Guterres was welcomed by Fuad Mohammad Hussein, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The following day, he met with Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, expressing gratitude for Iraq’s hospitality and discussing regional matters. Guterres also held a meeting with Hussein to review the progress of UN-Iraqi relations and the advancements made by Iraq in recent years. These discussions underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting Iraq as it navigates its future.

Engagements with Regional Leaders

During his visit, Guterres engaged in several bilateral meetings with key figures from the Arab world and Africa. He met with Mahamoud Youssof, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to address the situation in various African nations. Additionally, Guterres met with Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, where they discussed the critical situation in Gaza and other regional issues. A trilateral meeting with Youssof and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, focused on Sudan and the need for coordinated efforts to promote peace in the country.

Addressing the League of Arab States Summit

On May 17, Guterres attended the League of Arab States Summit, where he delivered remarks calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages. He reiterated that a two-state solution is essential for achieving lasting peace. Guterres also highlighted the situations in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan, and Somalia, emphasizing the UN’s vital partnership with the League of Arab States in addressing these challenges. His discussions with Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam further illustrated the urgency of regional cooperation.

Commemorating UN Staff and Departure

On the final day of his visit, Guterres met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al Sudani, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting Iraq, especially following the planned withdrawal of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). He also addressed UN staff in Baghdad, expressing gratitude for their dedication. In a poignant moment, Guterres laid a wreath at a memorial honoring 22 UN colleagues who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in 2003. He remarked that the memorial serves as a reminder of the UN’s critical work and the risks faced by its personnel. Guterres departed Baghdad on May 18, returning to New York on May 19.

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