Intention of the Department to establish a Diplomatic Mission in Iraq

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

 FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 360 (NW446E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 4-2012 OF 24 FEBRUARY 2012

Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

Whether her Department intends to establish a diplomatic mission in Iraq; if not, Why not, if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

Yes, South Africa does have diplomatic relations with Iraq.  We have a non-resident Ambassador to Iraq.  The opening of a South African diplomatic mission in Iraq would greatly facilitate the expansion of these ties.  However, due to resource constraints and the prevailing security situation in the country, we have not established a resident diplomatic mission in Iraq.

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