Swiss embassy returns to Iraq capital, closed since 1991 Gulf War

Switzerland has reopened its embassy in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Tuesday, decades after closing its previous representation in the country over the 1991 Gulf War.

The Swiss foreign ministry lauded on Monday "improvements" in Iraq's security, economic, and political landscape in recent years, according to a statement which announced the reopening of its mission after 33 years.

It highlighted Baghdad's role as a key regional player with close relations to Iran, the Gulf, and the US.

"By reopening the embassy, the federal council aims to strengthen bilateral relations with the populous country and deepen cooperation in economic, security and migration matters," the statement said.
 
"Iraq is resolutely looking to the future and undertaking ambitious economic and structural reforms. The country could soon realise its economic potential, previously undermined by years of war," it added.
 
Bern is also seeking to boost cooperation on migration issues with Baghdad, which has gradually adopted a "more receptive stance" on the readmission of Iraqi nationals, the foreign ministry noted, adding that the number of Iraqi asylum applications in Switzerland is "comparatively high".

Iraq's foreign ministry said the reopening of the Swiss embassy in Baghdad was "a positive sign in the path of diplomatic relations", the official Iraqi News Agency reported.

Migration remains a central focus of Swiss-Iraqi relations. In recent years, Iraq has adopted a more cooperative stance on the readmission of its nationals, an issue that has been a growing concern for European countries dealing with asylum seekers.

The two countries signed a migration agreement in 2024 aimed at strengthening cooperation and streamlining the process on matters related to asylum and the return of Iraqi nationals from the European state, where they formed the fifth-largest population of asylum seekers as of 2020.

Trade is another key focus of relations between the two states, with Iraq - a top oil producer - standing to benefit from growing Swiss interest in a bid to attract foreign investment under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Iraq, particularly its energy sector, is becoming a focal point for international investors, as seen by recent agreements like British Petroleum's deal to develop oil and gas fields in Kirkuk.

In 2022, trade between Iraq and Switzerland reached $191.5 million, with Swiss exports primarily consisting of pharmaceutical products. However, Iraqi exports to Switzerland remain minimal, totalling just $127,000, mainly involving surveying equipment, iron wire, and metal signs.