Iraqi speaker of parliament, Swiss officials discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani met Thursday with Swiss National Council President Maya Reniker and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis at his office in the Parliament building to discuss expanding cooperation between Iraq and Switzerland, according to a statement from al-Mashhadani’s office.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Parliament Secretary-General Safwan al-Jarjari also attended the meeting.

Al-Mashhadani welcomed the Swiss delegation and praised what he described as strong relations between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and social sectors.

He said the reopening of the Swiss Embassy in Baghdad represents “a positive step toward expanding bilateral partnership,” adding that Iraq seeks to attract Swiss companies to invest in the Iraqi market, boost economic activity, create jobs for young people, and increase trade and development between both nations.

Full statement from Al-Mashhadani’s office:

Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani received on Thursday the President of the Swiss National Council, Ms. Maya Reniker, and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, along with their accompanying delegation, at his office in the Parliament building.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Secretary-General of the Parliament Safwan al-Jarjari.

At the start of the meeting, al-Mashhadani welcomed the Swiss delegation, praising the strong relations between Iraq and Switzerland and stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation in political, economic, and social fields.

He said the reopening of the Swiss Embassy in Baghdad represents “a positive step toward expanding bilateral partnership,” adding that Iraq looks forward to attracting Swiss companies to invest in the Iraqi market and contribute to revitalizing the economy, creating job opportunities for youth, and enhancing trade and development between the two countries.

For her part, Reniker expressed Switzerland’s appreciation for its growing relations with Iraq and confirmed her country’s desire to expand economic and investment cooperation, support Iraqi companies, and enhance parliamentary collaboration through joint friendship committees, exchange visits, and legislative expertise.

Cassis said Switzerland views Iraq as “a key partner in the region” and affirmed his country’s readiness to expand channels of cooperation and provide support in development and economic initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing the importance of continuing dialogue between the two parliaments, strengthening relations at all levels, and activating the role of friendship committees to serve the shared interests of the two peoples and promote regional and international stability and cooperation.