Korea-Iraq 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties served as a good opportunity to confirm that Korea will be an optimal partner to implement Iraq's 2030 National Vision. For reference, Iraq seeks to be a model for the state of economic and social welfare institutions by planning a strategic vision until 2030. Touching upon the fact that today's Iraq is not what was in Iraq in the past, Iraq envoy Al-Barrak said there is no dictatorship anymore in a ceremony reception held at the Intercontinental Hotel Seoul on Sep. 3rd evening.

The fact that President Moon appointed Iraq Special Advisor Han Byung-do, shows current Korean government attaches its special importance on forging a good relationship with Iraq. In this context, Iraq Special Advisor Han visited Iraq on April 7 with Korean delegation including Assemblymen Kim Moo-sung, Hong Jeong-bae to name just a few in order to seek out business possibilities in addition to its investment prospect.

As a result, Han said through his congratulatory remarks that Korean delegation confirmed Iraq Government's strong will for its economic development and reconstruction, also confirming its desire to attract foreign investment in the areas of energy, infrastructure, construction etc. Assemblyman Hong Il-pyo who serves as Chairman of Korea-Iraq Parliamentary Friendship Group also said if Korea can lend its supporting hand to Iraq, it would not be a difficult thing for Iraq to constrcut a new Iraq.

As of this year, Korea is Iraq's 4th trading partner while bilateral trade scale increased from 8 billion dollars in 2017 to 11.5 billion dollars in 2018.

In recognition of Amb. Al-Barrak's excellent diplomatic activities on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, The NDNnews & its affiliate organization Korea Culture Amb. Friendship Association bestowed its Best Amb. Award upon Iraq envoy on May, 28th at the National Assembly.

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2019 Best Amb. Award

H.E. Hayder Shiya ALBARRAK

Iraq Amb. to the Republic of Korea

Proposing DMZ peace tourism on April, last year, Your Excellency contributed to peace spread on the peninsula considerably, saying at the same time that the Seoul Diplomatic Corps. needs to understand the scene of peace by visiting DMZ now when a balmy wind of peace &harmony blows on the peninsula.

Moreover on the occasion of the 30th anniversary in terms of diplomatic ties between Korea & Iraq this year, Your Excellency has been diligent centering around the National Assembly from last year so that both countries’ exchange & cooperation can be more activated.

So Korean public expects Your Excellency’s more interest &support so that Korean enterprises can take part in more many +diverse fields such as Iraq reconstruction projects and defense industries, to name just a few, supplementing mutually supplementary economic structure about Iraq whose energy resources are profound and Korea whose technology power is excellent.

In recognition of Your Excellency's such excellent diplomatic activities &dedication as Iraq top envoy in terms of being in the van of strengthening bilateral exchange cooperations as well as boosting Iraq‘s image among Korean people, The NDNnews & SeoulCity magazine bestow 2019 Best Amb. Award upon Your Excellency.