Foreign Minister Calls on Finnish Investment Companies to Expand their Work in Iraqi market, and Welcomes Opening of Finnish Embassy in Baghdad

Foreign Minister Mr. Fuad Hussein met with his Finnish counterpart Mr. Pekka Haavisto, and during the meeting they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, and the history it enjoys and positive development in achieving common interests.

The Minister expressed his aspiration for the coming stage to witness the development of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all fields, whether at the bilateral level, or within the framework of the European Union, and the importance of providing assistance to Iraq in achieving economic reform, as it provides a variety of investment opportunities, calling on the Finnish investment companies to invest in Iraq since it represents a promising investment market.

Minister Fuad Hussein praised the support provided by the Finnish side to Iraq at the level of training Iraqi forces, and providing support in the reconstruction of liberated areas as well as medical support in the area of ​​responding to the emerging Coronavirus.

Minister Fuad Hussein expressed his welcome for the opening of the Embassy of Republic of Finland in Baghdad, considering that it indicates a practical will to improve bilateral relations and create new prospects that will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in order to achieve the aspirations of the two friendly peoples.

The meeting also discussed the file of terrorists of Finnish citizenship, and how to deal with them and their families, and the two sides agreed on the importance of finding a mechanism to deal with this file.

The two Ministers touched on the situation of the Iraqi community in Finland, and the need to find solutions to some of the problems they face.

On his part, Mr. Pekka Haavisto, Foreign Minister of Finland, considered that this visit is an opportunity to discuss ways of practical coordination to advance bilateral relations between Iraq and Finland, affirming his country’s continued support to Iraq in confronting terrorism, and achieving security and stability, stressing the necessity to find solutions for the situation of the Iraqi community in his country, expressing his country’s desire to expand investment and raising the level of economic cooperation, noting that opening the embassy is an indication of our country’s desire to strengthen relations with Baghdad, which is a very important occasions, stating that “We are cooperating with Baghdad in training Iraqi forces in Erbil, and providing advice in the area of ​​countering Da’esh terrorist organization.