Common interests

Schallenberg received Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hussein

Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) received his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Vienna on Sunday. Relations between the two countries have intensified since the opening of the Austrian embassy in Baghdad, he said.

The closer relationship brings "more security, especially in the fight against illegal migration", said Schallenberg. For this reason, the cooperation will also focus on "return and reintegration assistance" as well as "measures to raise awareness of the risks of illegal migration". Potential migrants are already being warned of the dangers "that lurk when you put yourself in the hands of unscrupulous people smugglers", a statement said.

Hussein: Memorandum of understanding signed
The Iraqi Foreign Minister posted photos of his reception at Schallenberg on Sunday. Both the Austrian and Iraqi flags can be seen. Platform X states that the two politicians have signed a declaration of intent on future cooperation.

It was an "important step" that would strengthen the bilateral relationship. The talks covered topics such as the historical relationship, security and economic challenges. They were looking forward to "further developing cooperation in the interests of our peoples".

More companies want to invest
According to Schallenberg, who visited Iraq in September, more and more Austrian companies want to invest in the country. "A stable, peaceful and prosperous Iraq is our common concern," he stated. At the meeting, the Foreign Minister also condemned "Iran's missile attacks on the city of Erbil. Any violation of Iraqi sovereignty by neighboring states is unacceptable." Erbil is the capital of the oil-rich Autonomous Region of Kurdistan. The Austrian oil company OMV has been active in the region since 2007, and AUA is also there.

On January 15, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards attacked targets in northern Iraq and Syria with ballistic missiles. The attack is said to have been aimed at an alleged espionage center of the Israeli secret service Mossad in Erbil.