Iraq
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (left) and his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein (right) in joint presser in Baghdad on September 12, 2023. Photo: Rudaw/screengrab
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Austrian foreign minister on Tuesday announced that Vienna will be officially reopening its embassy in the Iraqi capital after more than three decades without diplomatic relations with Baghdad.
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg arrived in Baghdad upon the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein. The two diplomats held a joint presser during which Schallenberg revealed that the purpose of his visit is to reopen the embassy in the Iraqi capital, and to boost Vienna-Baghdad relations.
Austria closed its embassy in Baghdad in 1991 over security concerns. The country has had a representation in the Iraqi capital for under a year, and the embassy is set to be officially reopened later this month.
“Iraq plays an important role of the region’s stability, and when this country is experiencing instability we will feel that in Austria too,” said Schallenberg during the press conference, also announcing that Baghdad and Vienna were set to sign an agreement in the field of security.
The two also discussed the possibility of relaunching direct flights between Iraq and Austria. There are direct flights already operating between Erbil and Vienna.
“The return of Austrian flights is very important to connect Iraq to Europe,” said Hussein, adding that Baghdad is seeking direct flights to Europe instead of transiting through Turkey and Qatar.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid received Schallenberg separately on Monday, welcoming the decision to reopen the Austrian embassy.
“This step aims to improve relations and contributes to enhancing constructive cooperation in fields of shared interest and in way that achieves the mutual interests of the two countries and their people,” read a statement from Rashid’s office.
The Austrian foreign minister is also scheduled to visit the Kurdistan Region during his trip and meet with top Kurdish officials in Erbil.
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