Foreign Minister Meets Vice President, Federal Chancellor and Foreign Minister of Switzerland

On the evening of the 3rd of April 2021, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, Foreign Minister met with H.E. Mr. Ignazio Cassis, Vice President, Federal Counselor and Swiss Foreign Minister in Baghdad.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between Baghdad and Bern, and ways to consolidate them within the framework of strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries and work to activate the joint Iraqi-Swiss committee.
They also emphasized the importance of continuing joint political action, and in this regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed in the field of political consultations.

The two sides touched on the situation of displaced persons, migrants and asylum seekers from countries in the Middle East, including Iraq, and the two ministers stressed that it is necessary to find a specific mechanism for dialogue on this point at the level of a group of European countries, where it could address the same challenges.

Mr. Hussien affirmed that Iraq is a rich country and has the elements of advancement, but it has gone through exceptional circumstances such as the financial crisis as a result of low oil prices and the cost of the war against terrorism, and that Iraq looks forward to the contribution of friendly countries in the post-liberation phase of Mosul and the reconstruction of its infrastructure.

He called on the Swiss side to open the Swiss embassy in Baghdad, and release Iraqi funds frozen in Swiss banks, stressing that Iraq insists on openness, consolidation of relations, and benefiting from the experiences of others, appreciating the positions of Switzerland in support of Iraq.
For his part, Mr. Cassis confirmed Switzerland’s solidarity with Iraq, and congratulated Iraqis for the courage they showed in their war against terrorismon and the victories achieved. He also expressed His country’s desire to assist in rebuilding Iraq, and help in achieving security and stability, through the United Nations.
Mr. Cassis added « We have experts working in the United Nations institutions in Iraq . » and he stressed the importance of setting a new commercial and economic plan for development, cooperation and investment between the two countries.