The credentials of Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Czech Republic, Hayder Shiya Albarrak, were received by President Petr Pavel in August 2024. Our conversation naturally touched on areas where the two countries cooperate and those where their relations could develop further.
Do you have any personal or professional ties to the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region?
On a personal level, I‘d say there is hardly anyone who doesn‘t know the history and civilization of Europe, especially the EU countries, which today represent a major political and economic force globally. Professionally, the CEE region isn‘t entirely unfamiliar to me. I have built connections here from my tenure as Iraqi ambassador to Bulgaria between 2004 and 2007, and I‘ve participated in numerous visits to various European countries as part of Iraqi official delegations.
What is the history of Czech-Iraqi relations, and how would you describe them today?
I‘m pleased to describe Iraqi-Czech relations as well- established. The history of economic and political ties between our countries dates back to the 1930s, when the Czechoslovak ambassador in Tehran also served as a non-resident ambassador to Baghdad. These ties continued to develop positively in the decades following World War II. Tens of thousands of Iraqis graduated from Czech universities. We also have the great Iraqi poet Muhammad Mahdi Al-Jawahiri, who lived in Prague for many years and serves as a cultural and humanitarian bridge connecting the countries and peoples of Iraq and the Czech Republic.
What are your main goals for Iraqi- Czech relations?
One of the primary goals is to increase the volume of trade exchange, which currently does not match our ambitions or reflect the depth of our historical ties. I also look forward to high-level visits. We have already begun implementing this step, with Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein visiting Prague last month for a series of important meetings and political consultations with his Czech counterpart. We are also striving to achieve full cooperation in international organizations and forums.
Hayder Shiya Albarrak with Peter Závodský (The Business Soirée).
The Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela has stated that „Iraq is an important economic partner for us in the Middle East.“ How would you define Czechia‘s position towards Iraq?
The Czech Republic is a friendly country that supports Iraq. It has previously made significant contributions, including participating in international coalition forces to eliminate ISIS. It also plays an important role in the NATO mission, training Iraqi security forces. We appreciate and thank the Czech Republic for its political stance on the terrorist attacks that occurred in Iraq in past years. It‘s worth noting that, from 2003 to the present, the Czech Republic has never closed its embassy in Baghdad.
Trade cooperation between the two countries grew by 54 percent last year to 5.8 billion CZK. Apart from refineries and petrochemicals, which sectors are or could become important in mutual cooperation?
Iraq is now experiencing unprecedented security and political stability, allowing Czech companies to enter the Iraqi market without difficulty and invest in various sectors. For the domestic economy, the most ideal areas are transport, roads, industry, environment, and irrigation. This process will also be supported by the Strategic Development Road –a project considered to be the new Silk Road, which reduces time and costs for transporting various goods from Southeast Asia to Europe via Iraq.
Iraq is a country with a rich history and numerous historical, archaeological, and religious landmarks. Could tourism or culture become areas of growing importance in future cooperation, and do you see potential here?
Yes, after the elimination of ISIS gangs in 2017, Iraq has turned toward developing its tourism sector, including religious tourism. The visit of Pope Francis to the Ziggurat of Ur in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq, in 2021 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic – along with his service and prayers – demonstrates the significance of Iraq‘s historical, cultural, and religious sites (Iraq‘s religious landscape comprises various faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Yezidis, and others). We have proposed cooperation in cultural and medical tourism between our countries, and the Czech side has welcomed this initiative.
You have only been in Czechia for a short time, but is there anything about Prague or the country as a whole that has already impressed you?
Yes, there is much that has impressed me. Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Café Slavia, buildings with beautiful architecture, spa towns spread across most regions, and other historical sites and structures.
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Hayder Shiya Albarrak (born June 7, 1967, in Babylon) is the ambassador of the Republic of Iraq in Prague.
He graduated from the University of Babylon with degrees in law and English language and literature.
He previously headed the legal department at the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As an ambassador, he has served in Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, South Korea, and Lebanon.
He is married with two sons and a daughter.
