Foreign Relations of Iraq - Europe

Europe

See also: Iraq and the European Union

In September 2005, a joint political declaration between the European Union and Iraq was signed which forms the basis of regular political dialogue. A Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq is in the process of being negotiated and will probably be concluded during 2008.

July 2005 saw the introduction of EUJUST LEX, the European Union's rule of law operation intended to train Iraqi police and legal officials in human rights along with other issues. Over 1 400 Iraqis have already taken part in training courses.

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
Bulgaria See Bulgaria–Iraq relations
  • Bulgaria has an embassy in Baghdad.
  • Iraq has an embassy in Sofia.
  • Bulgaria was part of the Multinational force in Iraq between May 2003 and December 2008.
Czech Republic 1993 See Foreign relations of the Czech Republic
Denmark See Denmark–Iraq relations

Denmark has an embassy in Baghdad and a trade office in Basra, Iraq has an embassy in Copenhagen.

On March 21, 2003, the Danish Parliament made a fateful decision to support U.S. military action in Iraq and, in fact, contribute naval assets to the war. In 2006, the Iraqi Transport Minister Salam al-Malki announced freezing all economic relations with Danish and Norwegian companies in protest against insulting cartoons published in the countries' newspapers. With a total Iraqi population in Denmark numbering around 12,000, there are organizations such as the Iraqi-Danish Culture Days, which is currently organized in the capital of Copenhagen.

France See France–Iraq relations

Before Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1991, France enjoyed friendly relations with former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, however the relationship turned sour once Iraq entered Kuwaiti soil and soon France cut off ties with Iraq. Following thirteen years, France resumed relations with Iraq in 2003. Iraq has an embassy in Paris and France has an embassy and a representative office in Baghdad.

Germany See Germany–Iraq relations
  • Iraq's full diplomatic recognition of East Germany and Foreign Minister Otto Winzer's acknowledgement of that recognition were announced in Neues Deutschland on 2 May 1969.
Greece See Greece-Iraq relations

Relations of the Greek and Iraqi peoples are deeply rooted in history, both have developed cultures that have influenced the course of humanity. They date as far back as when Alexander the Great ruled Mesopotamia (which name is of Greek origin, meaning "the land between two rivers") and eventually died in Babylon, Iraq. Greece firmly and consistently supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq. Greece traditionally maintained good and friendly relations with Iraq due to strong historical and cultural bonds, dating back to ancient times.

Greece has an Embassy in Baghdad, and Iraq is represented by her Embassy in Athens.

Vatican City See Foreign relations of the Holy See
Hungary See Hungary–Iraq relations
  • Hungary is represented in Iraq through its embassy in Amman (Jordan).
  • Iraq has an embassy in Budapest.
  • Between August 2003 and March 2005, Hungary had contributed to more than 300 soldiers to the Multinational force in Iraq.
Italy See Iraq–Italy relations

Iraq has an embassy in Rome and Italy has an embassy in Baghdad and a consulate-general in Basra.

Romania
  • Iraq has an embassy in Bucharest.
  • Romania has an embassy in Baghdad.
Russia See Iraq–Russia relations
  • The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Iraq on 9 September 1944.
Serbia
  • Iraq has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Baghdad.
  • Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about relations with Iraq
Slovenia 2005,
  • In 2005, Slovenian and Iraqi ambassadors to the UN, Roman Kirn and Samir Sumaidaie, signed an agreement at the UN headquarters in New York.
  • Slovenia is the first European country to establish diplomatic relations with Iraq since the appointment of the new Iraqi government.
  • Prior to this agreement, Slovenia was already assisting Iraq through NATO and other international organizations.
  • Slovenia did not make efforts to establish relations during the reign of former Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein.
Sweden See Iraq–Sweden relations
  • Sweden is represented in Iraq through its embassy in Amman (Jordan).
Switzerland 1936 See Iraq–Switzerland relations

In November 2000 Switzerland opened a diplomatic liaison office in Baghdad to safeguard its interests. Bilateral relations became closer after the Iraq war in 2003. Today Iraq has an embassy in Bern and Switzerland has a representative office in Baghdad.

Turkey 1932 See Iraqi–Turkish relations

In 1988 Iraq maintained cordial relations with Turkey, its non-Arab neighbor to the north. Turkey served as an important transshipment point for both Iraqi oil exports and its commodity imports. A pipeline transported oil from the northern oil fields of Iraq through Turkey to the Mediterranean Sea. Trucks carrying a variety of European manufactured goods used Turkish highways to bring imports into Iraq. There was also trade between Turkey and Iraq, the former selling Iraq small arms, produce, and textiles. In addition, Iraq and Turkey have cooperated in suppressing Kurdish guerrilla activities in their common border area.

Ukraine 16 December 1992 See Iraq–Ukraine relations
  • In May 2001 in Baghdad the Embassy of Ukraine in Iraq re-opened.
United Kingdom 1920 See Iraq – United Kingdom relations

Ties between London and Baghdad are slowly progressing, but relations between the two nations are somewhat uncertain seeing as many Iraqis remember the colonial oppression either they or their ancestors faced at the hands of the British Empire. In other words, relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Iraq are close, yet controversial.

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