Switzerland Reopens Its Embassy in Baghdad After a 33-Year Absence
Key Takeaways
1. Switzerland has reopened its embassy in Baghdad after a 33-year closure, citing improved security conditions.
2. The embassy’s reopening is intended to strengthen Swiss-Iraqi relations, with a focus on economic and migration cooperation, supported by a migration agreement signed in May 2024.
3. While the Baghdad embassy will concentrate on political issues, consular services will continue to be managed by the Swiss embassy in Amman.
Switzerland has reestablished its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, more than three decades after closing it due to the 1991 Gulf War.
According to the Swiss Foreign Ministry, the newly reopened embassy will focus on political and diplomatic matters. In contrast, consular services and visa applications for Iraqi citizens will remain under the jurisdiction of the Swiss embassy in Amman, Jordan.
The decision to reopen the embassy is attributed to improved security conditions in Iraq. The embassy had been closed since the conflict that followed the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
In recent years, Iraq has made significant strides towards regional peace and security. Today, over 50 countries, including Austria, France, Italy, and Germany, maintain embassies in Baghdad.
Swiss Federal Council
Reopened Embassy to Enhance Migration and Economic Relations
The primary goal of the reopened Swiss embassy is to strengthen Swiss-Iraqi relations and promote cooperation in economic, security, and peace initiatives. Iraq's energy resources and growing economy present promising opportunities for Swiss investments and exports.
In 2022, trade between Iraq and Switzerland amounted to $191.5 million, with Swiss exports largely consisting of pharmaceutical products. However, Iraqi exports to Switzerland were minimal, totaling only $127,000, primarily involving surveying equipment, iron wire, and metal signs.
Migration remains a key focus in Swiss-Iraqi relations. Iraq has recently adopted a more cooperative stance on the readmission of its nationals, which is important for European countries dealing with asylum seekers. Switzerland has prioritized bilateral migration cooperation, supporting migration-related projects in Iraq since 2020 and recently enhancing dialogue with Iraqi authorities.
Migration Agreement to Improve Asylum and Return Procedures
This collaboration resulted in a migration agreement signed in May 2024. To support this, the State Secretariat for Migration will send a Swiss migration officer to the new embassy to assist Ambassador Daniel Hunn, who took up his position in March. The embassy will be staffed by three people.
By reopening the embassy in Baghdad, Switzerland aims to reinforce its role in promoting peace and humanitarian aid while reaffirming its commitment to these important issues in the MENA region.
Swiss Federal Council
The 2024 migration agreement is designed to improve cooperation and streamline asylum and return processes for Iraqi nationals, who represent Europe’s fifth-largest group of asylum seekers as of 2020.