Austria’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Schallenberg, officially reopened the Austrian Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday in a formal ceremony. The embassy closed in 1991 due to security concerns.
In a press conference in Baghdad on Tuesday, Schallenberg, alongside his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, stated that reopening the embassy signifies trust and a fresh start in Austria’s relationship with Iraq.
“We aim to become a reliable partner for Iraq,” Schallenberg declared. “Our goal is to aid Iraq’s economic development and counter terrorism.”
Hussein welcomed the embassy’s reopening, emphasizing its potential to strengthen relations and cooperation.
The embassy’s reopening comes as Iraq faces numerous challenges, including security deterioration and an economic crisis. Austria seeks to assist Iraq in addressing these challenges.
Schallenberg will explore avenues to enhance economic cooperation between Austria and Iraq. He will also meet with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudan.
In #Bagdad, FM @a_schallenberg met with President @LJRashid for an exchange on bilateral & regional issues. Austria is looking forward to strengthening the political and economic partnership with Iraq on all levels. pic.twitter.com/rgoBYzGfln
— MFA Austria (@MFA_Austria) September 12, 2023
