Ignazio Cassis in Iraq and Kuwait: new opportunities and partnerships

Iraq, stability and partnership

Following his official visit to Jordan on 22 October (see press release ), the head of the FDFA travelled to Iraq on 23 and 24 October. In Baghdad, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis held talks with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Federal Councillor Cassis welcomed the return to stability in Iraq. He also highlighted Iraq's growing role as a pole of stability in the region. Discussions also focused on recent regional developments in the Middle East, including the US 20-point peace plan for Gaza, the new Syrian government and the situation in Iraq's neighbour Iran. The two countries' commitment in cross-border water management as part of the Blue Peace Middle East initiative was also discussed. Switzerland supports this comprehensive approach, which combines water diplomacy with political dialogue and regional cooperation.

Mr Cassis and his Iraqi counterpart also highlighted the sustained growth in economic exchanges: in 2024, bilateral trade volume increased by 9.1% compared with the previous year. Iraq's economic upturn is opening up opportunities for Swiss enterprises particularly in the energy, infrastructure and health sectors.

During his visit, Mr Cassis inaugurated the new Swiss Embassy in Baghdad, which has reopened after more than thirty years of absence. In the presence of National Council President Maja Riniker, he met with the Swiss community and Iraqi economic, cultural and civil society representatives. This reopening symbolises Switzerland's lasting return to the region, with a view to best defending Swiss interests in the new dynamic of stability that characterises Iraq.

Kuwait: 60 years of diplomatic relations

On 25 October 2025, the head of the FDFA was received by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah. The talks provided an opportunity to take stock of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and scientific spheres. The geopolitical situation in the region was also on the agenda, in particular the situation in Gaza and the Persian Gulf.

In the presence of Sheikh Nasser al-Sabah and National Council President Maja Riniker, the head of the FDFA officially inaugurated the new Swiss embassy building, marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries. This new, modern and energy-efficient facility embodies Switzerland's desire to consolidate long-term relations of trust with Kuwait and, more broadly, with the Gulf states.

Swiss diplomacy on the move

This Middle East trip - taking in Amman, Baghdad and Kuwait - illustrates Switzerland's approach to diplomacy on the ground: working closely with regional actors, committed to defending its interests and promoting peace and humanitarian values.

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