Switzerland has recently reestablished its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, 33 years after closing it due to the 1991 Gulf War.
According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, the Baghdad embassy will focus on political and diplomatic issues. In contrast, the Swiss embassy in Amman, Jordan, will continue to handle consular services and Swiss visa applications for Iraqi citizens, Schengen.News reports.
The authority also attributed the reopening to enhanced security conditions in Iraq. The embassy had been shuttered since the conflict that led to the withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait.
Reopened Swiss Embassy to Address Migration Issues With Iraq
The new embassy aims to bolster Swiss-Iraqi relations and enhance economic, security, and peace cooperation while advancing Switzerland’s interests.
Iraq’s energy resources and diverse economy offer promising long-term export and investment opportunities for Swiss businesses.
In 2022, trade between Iraq and Switzerland reached $191.5 million, with Swiss exports predominantly pharmaceutical products.
However, Iraqi exports to Switzerland were minimal, totalling just $127,000, mostly involving surveying equipment, iron wire, and metal signs.
Migration continues to be a significant aspect of Swiss-Iraqi relations.
Iraq has recently adopted a more cooperative approach to the readmission of its nationals, addressing a growing concern for European countries dealing with asylum seekers.
Switzerland prioritises bilateral migration cooperation, supporting migration-related projects in Iraq since 2020 and recently strengthening dialogue with Iraqi authorities.
Migration Agreement Aims to Improve Asylum & Return Processes
This collaboration led to a migration agreement signed in May 2024.
To support on-ground migration cooperation, the State Secretariat for Migration sends a Swiss migration officer to the new embassy, assisting Ambassador Daniel Hunn, who was appointed in March.
Three people will staff the embassy.
As the Swiss Embassy points out, the 2024 migration agreement aims to enhance cooperation and streamline asylum and return processes for Iraqi nationals, representing Europe’s fifth-largest group of asylum seekers as of 2020.
Source: https://schengen.news/switzerland-reopens-embassy-in-baghdad-after-33-years/
