BAGHDAD, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with visiting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi here Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Hussein expressed his hope the visit would advance rapprochement, serving the common interests of Iraqi and Gulf peoples.

Hussein reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to fostering strong, balanced ties with GCC states and developing cooperation across multiple sectors, the statement read.

For his part, Albudaiwi said his visit to Baghdad was mandated by GCC member states to deliver a message underscoring their commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing joint cooperation with Iraq, it read.

Albudaiwi also pledged the council's continued support for Iraq's stability and reconstruction, it added.