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Austria Restores Diplomatic Presence In Baghdad After Three Decades
After a 30-year hiatus, Austria officially reestablished its diplomatic presence in Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone that signals a positive shift towards stability.
I am here to open a new chapter in the relations between 🇦🇹 & 🇮🇶. We are fully committed to Iraq‘s stability, security, sovereignty & prosperity.
Thank you very much, dear @Fuad_Hussein1 for a warm welcome to #Baghdad.@Iraqimofa pic.twitter.com/gr51jQUAlr
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— Alexander Schallenberg (@a_schallenberg) September 12, 2023
Austria Restores Diplomatic Presence in Baghdad After Three Decades
“We are back, and our intentions are serious,” stated Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg during the opening ceremony of the mission, situated at the downtown Babylon Rotana Hotel.
He emphasized Iraq’s pivotal role in the region during a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, stating, “Iraq is a crucial country in the region, and it plays an immensely important role in maintaining stability and security throughout the entire region.”
Schallenberg mentioned that ten business leaders accompanied him, representing companies ready to invest in various sectors, including energy, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, and infrastructure. These sectors face significant challenges in post-conflict Iraq, where many roads and the power grid require extensive repairs.
Highlighting the trust placed in Iraq’s potential, Schellenberg noted, “The strongest signal of confidence is the participation of ten well-established Austrian companies in my delegation, all prepared to invest and establish businesses here.”
Vienna had closed its embassy in Iraq in 1991 during the Gulf War, with the embassy in neighboring Jordan assuming its functions. Austria, however, maintains that diplomatic relations between Iraq and Austria “were never severed.”
Iraq, despite its oil wealth, has experienced over four decades of conflict but has recently achieved a degree of stability, albeit amid political turmoil and corruption.
Read also: The Top 5 Restaurants In Baghdad You Need To Try At least Once In Your Life
