Switzerland has reopened its embassy in Iraq after 33 years.
The embassy in Baghdad was closed during the 1991 Gulf War and unlike many other European missions there, it never reopened until now.
The security situation has improved to such a degree after years of conflict that it is now safe to again have a presence in Iraq, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement noted that Iraq was playing an increasingly important role as a bridge-builder and mediator in the Middle East and one of the aims of the embassy is to strengthen bilateral relations.
“In recent years, Iraq has repeatedly campaigned for peace and security in the region,” it said.
It noted that with its energy resources and economic diversification, Iraq offers interesting long-term export and investment opportunities for Swiss companies.
(dpa/NAN)