Iraq modernizing Baghdad’s diplomatic quarter

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Friday laid the foundation stone for a development project in Baghdad’s diplomatic quarter that houses many foreign missions. Hussein said it was important to provide "a modern and safe" working environment for diplomats.

 

"We are celebrating the laying of the foundation stone for the project to rehabilitate and develop the diplomatic quarter, which is an important step that reflects the Iraqi government's efforts to provide a modern and secure working environment befitting the embassies accredited in Iraq," Hussein said in a press conference.

 

"It is expected that work on this project will be completed around this time next year," he said.

 

He added that the Iraqi government wants to make diplomatic work "more organized" and effective in a way that "serves the interests of our country."

 

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been keen to prepare the infrastructure and security for it according to international standards… applying modern technologies, as it is surrounded by four gates and five advanced security towers," he said.

 

The development also includes green spaces and walking paths.

 

The diplomatic quarter is located in the al-A'amiriya area of western Baghdad.