Iraq opens embassy in Croatia to bolster bilateral ties and expand cooperation

Shafaq News/
On Monday, Iraqi Foreign Minister (MoFA) Fuad Hussein inaugurated Iraq’s new
embassy in the Croatian capital, Zagreb.

According to
a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the opening ceremony was
attended by Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Radman,
Croatian Ambassador to Iraq Ivan Jurcevic, and other senior Croatian officials,
including the head of the Economic Department, Irena Alajbeg, and the head of
the Africa and Middle East Department, Tamara Kropski. Arab ambassadors
accredited to Croatia were also in attendance.

In his
address, Minister Hussein emphasized that “the opening of the embassy
reflects the deep ties between the two friendly countries and comes as part of
Iraq’s successful foreign policy on both regional and international levels, as
well as progress in multilateral cooperation.”

He expressed
Iraq’s desire to enhance its relations with Croatia, noting that “expanding
Iraq’s diplomatic presence abroad is a cornerstone of its foreign policy
goals.” Hussein reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to fostering ties with Croatia in
various fields, particularly in politics, economics, science, and culture.

The Iraqi
Foreign Minister noted that “strengthening the friendship between Baghdad and
Zagreb aims to foster broader cooperation across different sectors, leading to
mutual benefits…relations between the two countries are on an upward trajectory
and that this will open more opportunities for collaboration, particularly with
Croatian companies active in Iraq’s construction and energy sectors.”

Hussein
added that the Iraqi government welcomes foreign companies from friendly
nations, particularly Croatian firms, to invest in Iraq. “Iraq possesses
abundant natural resources and a strategic location that makes it a hub for
global trade, further reinforcing its pivotal role in the Middle East and
beyond.”

The minister
also praised Croatia’s active role in supporting Iraq during its fight against
terrorist groups, including providing military advisers through the
International Coalition and offering strategic military counsel.