Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (left), Ambassador Andrea Nasi (center), and Iraq's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Muhammad Bahr Al-Ulum attend the reopening ceremony of the Austrian embassy in Baghdad on September 12, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

BAGHDAD - Austria reopened its embassy in Iraq on Tuesday after more than 30 years of closure.

The reopening took place as Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday for a two-day visit to boost bilateral ties.

Iraq plays an important role in the stability of the region, and when this country is exposed to instability, Austria will feel that as well. 

Alexander Schallenberg, Austrian Foreign Minister

During his visit, Schallenberg separately met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, discussing ways to improve bilateral cooperation in various fields such as security, transportation, and economy.

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Schallenberg also met with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, and the two ministers discussed issues regarding the reopening of the Austrian embassy in Baghdad, which was closed in 1991 due to security concerns.

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In a joint press conference after the meeting between the two ministers, Schallenberg said Austria is committed to supporting Iraq's stability and security.

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"Iraq plays an important role in the stability of the region, and when this country is exposed to instability, Austria will feel that as well," he said.