Switzerland resumes diplomatic presence in Iraq after a 33-year hiatus, as a Swiss envoy is dispatched to the Babylon Hotel.
Swiss Envoy Returns to Baghdad After 33-Year Absence
Daniel Hunn, the Swiss envoy in Baghdad, is making history by re-establishing the Swiss diplomatic presence in the city after a 33-year absence. His meetings with various ministries are taking place under strict security measures, as the country strengthens its economic ties with Iraq.
Hunn, who is staying at the iconic Babylon Hotel, was spotted in the hotel lobby, donning a Swiss flag pin on his jacket. The sand-colored hotel, surrounded by thick walls, has been fortified with security checkpoints and luggage is scanned twice for safety.
The Babylon Hotel holds a significant place in Swiss diplomatic history, as it was the residence of the Swiss ambassador 33 years ago, before the Gulf War. The hotel, with its rich history and fortified structure, seems a fitting home for Hunn's diplomatic mission.
Switzerland, known for its policy of neutrality, often provides diplomatic and consular services even in complex environments. The early 1990s, marked by the Gulf War and subsequent sanctions on Iraq, led many countries to reduce or suspend their diplomatic presence in Baghdad due to security concerns. It is likely that the Swiss embassy was closed or operated remotely during these periods of conflict and instability in Iraq.
In recent years, as security situations have evolved, some countries, including Switzerland, have initiated efforts to re-establish or enhance their diplomatic presence in Baghdad to support political engagement and humanitarian missions. However, the specific details of these efforts, such as dates of embassy closures, suspensions, or reopenings, and the official reasons behind those decisions, are not readily available in the search results. For a comprehensive understanding of this topic, one would need to consult official Swiss government sources, such as the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, or diplomatic archives related to Switzerland-Iraq relations.
As Hunn continues his diplomatic mission in Baghdad, he is working towards strengthening economic ties between Switzerland and Iraq. The exact nature of these efforts is not detailed in the available information, but it is clear that the return of the Swiss diplomatic presence is a significant step in the ongoing relationship between the two nations.
Applying the principles of Swiss neutrality, Hunn is working towards applying this approach to strengthen political ties between Switzerland and Iraq during his mission in Baghdad. In the general news, reports are discussing the application of economic initiatives between the two countries as part of Hunn's diplomatic efforts.
