Bilateral relations Switzerland–Iraq
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Iraq have become closer in recent years. Switzerland’s priorities are the fields of migration, economic partnerships and international cooperation, especially on water management.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Iraq are based on regular political dialogue and broad cooperation on areas of common interest. Switzerland's priorities are set out below.
Economic cooperation
Trade between Switzerland and Iraq recovered only slowly after it had come to a virtual halt following the first Gulf War in 1991 and the subsequent imposition of sanctions by the UN. Swiss exports to Iraq collapsed again in 2003 but have since picked up.
Pharmaceuticals account for the largest share of exports. Although the level of imported goods from Iraq has traditionally been low, it has increased in since 2022 to reach CHF 242 million in 2025. There are opportunities for Swiss companies in the food sector, as well as in pharmaceuticals/chemicals and major infrastructure projects. recent years. Trade volumes have risen steadily.
Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
Cooperation on education, research and innovation
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Iraq can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
The ‘Syria and Neighbouring Countries 2026–29’ cooperation programme covers five countries: Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey. It has four priorities: human development, climate and environment, economic development, and peace and good governance. A budget of around CHF 243 million has been allocated for the implementation period from 2026 to 2029.
In Iraq the focus is on the return and reintegration of rejected asylum seekers. The aim is to strengthen bilateral migration relations with Iraq and place them on a more formal footing. Switzerland is committed to ensuring that the basic needs of internally displaced persons are met.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Swiss nationals in Iraq
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, in 2026 there were 153 Swiss nationals living in Iraq.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland recognised Iraq de facto when the Federal Council received King Faisal I in August 1930 after the end of the British Mandate. In 1936 Switzerland established a consulate in Baghdad that was then changed to a legation in 1955. Iraq became a republic on 31 July 1958, and Switzerland officially recognised the Republic of Iraq shortly afterwards.
The Swiss embassy in Iraq had to close in 1991 as a result of the first Gulf War. To safeguard its interests Switzerland opened a diplomatic liaison office in Baghdad in November 2000. It was forced to close for security reasons in October 2008.
Switzerland has had an embassy in Iraq again since 2024. The embassy in the Jordanian capital Amman remains responsible for consular matters.
Iraq, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Links
- Switzerland and Iraq
- Treaty database
- Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
- Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)
- Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
- Iraq, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
- Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Documents
Swiss Cooperation Programme “Syria and Neighbouring Countries” 2026–2029
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