Reception in Baghdad

Ladies and Gentlemen

The life of a foreign minister is full of travels and encounters. And yet, there are moments that mark us more deeply than others. My return to Baghdad today, four years after my first visit to Iraq, is certainly one of those moments.

In 2021, I met with young Iraqi entrepreneurs full of creativity, energy, and courage.

We spoke about innovation, vocational training, and about the challenges that every young entrepreneur all too often face. I remember leaving that meeting feeling very confident about this country, in its ability to rise again after all it had endured.

Standing here today, I am deeply moved to see that my optimism was not misplaced!

That same «young» generation has made Iraq what it is now: a country with enormous potential, and an important player for stability, for peace, and for the future of this region.

Perhaps one of those young entrepreneurs is with us tonight? If so, congratulations! You - and all the other entrepreneurs present here - believe in your ideas and believe in the potential of this country.

Let me assure you, Ladies and Gentlemen: Switzerland has done, and will continue to do, its part to support a stable, innovative, and forward-looking Iraq.

Of course, we must not be naïve: After years of war and internal turmoil, maintaining stability remains Iraq's greatest challenge.

I sincerely hope that the elections on November 11 will help build bridges between the many communities that make up this great nation: Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, Turkmen, and other ethnic and religious minorities. Lasting stability will only come from inclusion and balance.

Dear guests,

Having again an Embassy in Baghdad is a powerful symbol of Switzerland's support for Iraq.

Being back in Baghdad, close to the people and their needs, strengthens our work and makes our actions more effective.

I would like to thank our embassy team for their dedicated work, which enables Switzerland to play a constructive role in Iraq and the Middle East region.

Beyond our enhanced bilateral cooperation in the economic and security spheres, we focus our work on areas in which we can bring our technical expertise and build bridges through regional cooperation.

Firstly, we support the return and reintegration of Iraqis, from Syria as well as internally displaced people who still need help following the devastation caused by the so-called Islamic State.

This includes providing assistance with documentation and access to legal aid - essential tools for rebuilding lives and communities.

Second, through our Blue Peace Initiative, we promote regional cooperation by encouraging neighbouring countries to collaborate in managing water resources together.

Switzerland contributes 60 million CHF yearly in supporting programs for people in need, for peace and dialogue in the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Switzerland recognized the Kingdom of Iraq 95 years ago, in 1930. Since then, the world has experienced wars, tensions, and natural disasters. But it has also seen ages of peace, stability, and fraternity.

Even today, when the world feels uncertain and unstable, the story of Iraq and the hope that resides here remind us to remain optimistic.

As the great Iraqi poet Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri wrote: «The light will rise after the night unfolds… and hope, long imprisoned, will bloom again in the heart.»

Thank you.