Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in London Meets Professor Frank R. Gunter

His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, Dr Salih Husain Ali Al-Tamimi, received Professor Frank R. Gunter at his office at the Embassy in London. Professor Gunter is a Professor of Economics at The Hague University, a Visiting Professor at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and a retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps.

The meeting included a review of political developments in Iraq and the wider region amid the current tensions, particularly with regard to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its related repercussions, in addition to the economic challenges facing Iraq as a result of declining revenues caused by reduced oil exports.

Both sides underscored the importance of diversifying Iraq’s sources of revenue through support for the private sector and by addressing youth unemployment through the creation of new job opportunities. They noted the necessity of reducing dependence on oil in light of continued price volatility. They also stressed the importance of developing other economic sectors, particularly cultural and historical tourism, given Iraq’s rich civilisational heritage, which enjoys considerable interest across Western countries.

His Excellency the Ambassador emphasised the urgent need to enhance the capabilities of Iraqi graduates by providing opportunities to enrol in educational and academic programmes that contribute to developing their skills, particularly in fields required by local and global labour markets, thereby expanding employment opportunities and strengthening their contribution to the national economy. He further noted that the formation of a new Iraqi Government would be an important factor in enhancing the confidence of investors in the United Kingdom and internationally in the Iraqi economy.

His Excellency also explained that the Embassy is working diligently with the relevant British authorities to strengthen economic partnership and support the Iraqi private sector, particularly in light of the challenges facing the public sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Professor Gunter presented His Excellency the Ambassador with a copy of his book, The Political Economy of Iraq: Restoring Balance in a Post-Conflict Society.

The meeting was attended by Counsellor Amer Abdulhussein Al-Fatlawi