Switzerland reopens embassy in Baghdad after 33-year hiatus

Switzerland has long planned to reopen its embassy in Baghdad. In October 2020, as part of the MENA Strategy 2021–24, the Federal Council announced its intention to open a diplomatic representation in Iraq. Following a period of severe internal conflicts, Iraq has seen a marked improvement in its political landscape and security situation. The Federal Council has long recognised Iraq's importance in the region. 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 is also emerging as a central political actor in the region; its close relations with Iran, the Gulf monarchies and the United States reinforce its role as a bridge-builder and mediator in the region. 

To promote its interests in the region, Switzerland needs good bilateral relations. By reopening its embassy in Baghdad, Switzerland strengthens its role as an actor in peace promotion and humanitarian aid, and as a partner for economic issues in the MENA region. Fifty-three countries have a diplomatic presence in Baghdad – including 18 European countries – as well as the European Union.

Almost a year after raising the possibility of reopening a representation in the country, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, visited Iraq to assess the situation on the ground. During his meetings in Baghdad, he discussed the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East, humanitarian efforts in the wake of the devastation caused by the Islamic State group, and cooperation agreements between Switzerland and Iraq. Mr Cassis also took the opportunity to meet young entrepreneurs involved in several start-ups in the country. 

Despite being well-educated, Iraq's young population struggles with significant challenges in securing employment opportunities. Innovation, vocational education and training and the obstacles that young people face in career development were at the centre of the various discussions that Mr Cassis held during this visit. The meetings were held in the stadium designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, an emblematic venue in the capital. 

Le Corbusier always paid close attention to how buildings were integrated into the landscape. In his work, he blended respect for tradition and culture with creativity. In Iraq, he also showed patience and perseverance in an unstable political context; his project repeatedly experienced delays and interruptions, notably due to the coup d'état that overthrew the Iraqi monarchy on 14 July 1958. His legacy, authority and ideas from the 1960s continue to inspire Iraq's engaged young people almost 60 years later. "For me, young people are always a source of hope. This exchange with young Iraqi women and men, brimming with ideas and potential, makes me optimistic that this country will be able to recover from the many crises it has experienced," said Cassis three years ago. 

This optimism continues. Mr Cassis's visit in 2021 – and the signing of a memorandum of understanding establishing political consultations between Switzerland and Iraq – played a key role in paving the way for strengthening bilateral relations. Three years on, the time is right for Switzerland to renew its ties with Iraq by reopening its embassy there. 

The Swiss embassy in Iraq was closed in 1991 due to the Gulf War. A liaison office, which opened in 2000, was also closed in 2008 for security reasons. This led to a gap of more than a decade during which Switzerland maintained no official representation in Iraq. In 2012, the Swiss embassy in Amman became accredited for relations with Iraq. Since then, consular services for the approximately 100 Swiss citizens in Iraq have been managed from Amman. 

Today, in addition to renewing and developing trade and diplomatic exchanges with Iraq, Switzerland also aims to deepen cooperation on migration issues. The number of asylum applications lodged by Iraqi nationals in Switzerland is comparatively high. While cooperation with Iraq on readmission has been challenging, the Iraqi government has gradually adopted a more receptive stance on the issue. In May 2024, the two countries signed a migration agreement that provides for strengthened cooperation in various areas, including the promotion of voluntary return and reintegration of returnees. To support this collaboration on the ground, a Swiss immigration liaison officer is seconded to the embassy in Baghdad.

Iraq also plays a significant role in regional migration, hosting large numbers of internally displaced people and refugees from neighbouring countries such as Syria. In this context, Switzerland is pursuing a comprehensive approach to develop long-term solutions. A new diplomatic presence in Baghdad will also enable Switzerland to intensify its dialogue with the Iraqi authorities on these matters.