Undersecretary for Political Planning Meets Director General of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Planning Dr. Hisham Al Alawi, met with Ms. Patricia Danzi the Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, at the headquarters of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamad Jawad Mahdi Minister Plenipotentiary and Chargé d’Affaires of Iraqi Embassy in Bern, and First Secretary Ms. Zuka Sahem, representing the Political Planning Department, along with Mr. Gabriele Guzzi, in charge of Iraq desk at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Undersecretary Al Alawi extended his thanks to the Swiss Agency for its cooperation over the past years, especially its adoption of important initiatives for countries in the region, such as the Blue Peace Initiative, which aims to transform water from a source of conflict into an opportunity for cooperation across various sectors and promoting peace.

The two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation to end conflicts in the Middle East region, and support efforts to achieve regional stability.

As well as, the Undersecretary reviewed the importance of the Water for Peace and Development Initiative, appreciating Switzerland’s support for the initiative through the Geneva Water Hub and the Swiss Peace Center, due to their extensive experience in negotiations, water diplomacy, and strengthening national capacity building, in addition he affirmed that this support contributes to strengthening the initiative aimed at using the water file as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and its neighboring countries, which will positively reflect on regional stability, especially at this sensitive stage.

At the end of the meeting, Ms. Danzi expressed her happiness with the productive discussions, stressing the importance of continuing communication to expand the horizons of cooperation in areas of common concern.