Cooperation between Iraq and Ukraine: Vast and Numerous Opportunities

Abstract

The article reflects on cooperation between Iraq and Ukraine and its history. It is mentioned that the history of diplomatic relations between the two states has lasted for more a quarter of a century. At the turn of 1992, the concurrently accredited Embassy of the Republic of Iraq was opened in Ukraine, although cooperation in different spheres, such as economy, culture, and science had been inaugurated earlier. In ten years, the Embassy of Iraq was opened in Kyiv, thus elevating bilateral relations to a new level. It is stressed that the relations between Iraq and Ukraine have become much closer since 2003, as can be seen from cooperation in a range of domains. Trade turnover has increased, particularly in the private sector. More and more Iraqi people choose Ukrainian universities to study. Numerous bilateral visits of officials of the two states have been held, and a wide range of agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed; respective ministries of the two states are working upon the further consideration of draft agreements. It is noted that Iraq and Ukraine can boast broad and various opportunities for cooperation. Iraq closely cooperates with the Government of Ukraine for its development and diversification, seeking to bring bilateral relations to the new level in conformity with the potential of the two states and pursuant to the norms of diplomatic and international collaboration that the Government of Iraq abides by in respect of all friendly and peace-loving states. Iraq highly appreciates the long-term fruitful relations between the Embassy of Iraq and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as confirmed by the development of cooperation in the sphere of diplomacy aimed at the fulfillment of common interests of Iraq and Ukraine. The Embassy of Iraq to Ukraine avails itself of this opportunity to express its gratitude for robust and friendly relations between the two countries, for the history of these relations as well as to express its gratitude to the Directorate-General for Rendering Services to Diplomatic Missions for the publication of this material. Key words: Iraq, diplomatic relations, history, Ambassador, cooperation.