Switzerland reopened its embassy in Iraq on Tuesday after a 33-year hiatus. The Swiss Federal Council stated that this step, which comes within the framework of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy 2021-24, aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Iraq and deepen cooperation in economy, security and migration. The Council added that the security situation in Iraq has seen a significant improvement in recent years, and the country has entered a new phase of economic development and is strengthening its role as a regional mediator. Iraq is also making continuous efforts to establish peace and security in the region. The country now has more than 50 embassies in Baghdad, including Austria, France, Italy and Germany, the Swiss Federal Council said. According to the Council, the new embassy will focus on strengthening relations between Switzerland and Iraq, enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, security and peacekeeping, as well as promoting Swiss interests. Source: Qatar News Agency