EU to open office in Baghdad
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, July 2, IRNA
EU-Iraq
The EU's executive arm is seeking to improve its relations with Iraq by opening an office in Baghdad and start negotiations for a trade agreement, according to European Commissioner for External Affairs Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
"We look forward to preparations for negotiating an EU-Iraq Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and to the Commission's intention to open an office in Baghdad in the near future," the former Austrian Foreign Minister said.
Speaking at the launch of the UK's presidency of EU in London Friday, she said she looked forward to Britain delivering "its ambitious programme for EU foreign policy."
"During the UK Presidency, the Commission will continue to promote democracy through our targeted election monitoring missions, including in the Lebanon, Palestine, Afghanistan and Ethiopia," Ferrero-Waldner told a joint news conference with Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.
For his part, Straw said Britain was "strongly committed to the principle that we can have a stronger foreign policy when the whole EU is working together."
"I believe we have demonstrated this through our work in Iran.
There will be no higher priority in the next 6 months than working for peace in the Middle East," he said.
HC/1430/1416
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
