Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Planning Meets with the Swiss Assistant Foreign Minister for Middle Eastern Affairs

Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Planning, met with Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, Assistant Foreign Minister and Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the Swiss Foreign Ministry. The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohamad Jawad Mahdi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Iraq in Bern, First Secretary Zaka Sahm from the Political Planning Department, and Mr. Gabriele Guzzi, the Swiss Foreign Ministry official responsible for Iraq.

Dr. Al-Alawi expressed his gratitude for Switzerland’s cooperation in reopening its embassy in Baghdad last year. He emphasized the importance of holding the upcoming political consultations meeting in Baghdad in April as a step toward facilitating an official visit by the Swiss Foreign Minister at the earliest opportunity.

He also stressed the need for Swiss companies to invest in Iraq, particularly in priority sectors for both countries, such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, electricity, water, and environmental projects.

Additionally, he urged the swift signing of a memorandum of understanding to exempt diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements and to facilitate visa procedures for ordinary passport holders.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Alawi highlighted the necessity of reactivating the Iraq-Switzerland Joint Committee, noting that its last meeting was held in Bern in 1989.

He also outlined the positive outcomes of the Iraqi Government’s current program and the country’s ongoing economic and infrastructural developments. He extended an invitation to Ambassador Kirgöz to visit Iraq and witness firsthand the Grand Al-Faw Port and the Development Road project, which are the expected to transform global maritime trade routes.

The meeting also included discussions on regional developments, particularly in Syria, with both sides agreeing that Syria’s security is closely tied to the stability of the broader region. Dr. Al-Alawi reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the Syrian people and the necessity of forming a transitional government that represents all segments of Syrian society.

H.E. Ambassador Kirgöz expressed her appreciation for the productive discussions and her interest in visiting Iraq. She also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries, particularly within international organizations focused on water and climate issues.