Declaration of Baghdad

The celebration, which was attended by hundreds of visitors and tourist from different nationalities, with the participation of the Iraqi Kurdish and Assyrian community, featured Iraqi music, artifacts, and photo exhibitions.

Staff members of the Embassy, who dressed in Iraqi traditional uniform, happily welcomed visitors from different backgrounds and introduced them to Iraq culture and heritage.

The open house, which started at 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, was a great opportunity for the visitors to experience Iraqi traditional food, and dance on Iraqi music and songs, which made the occasion more entertaining and educational. The media has also a presence in covering the festival.

For more details please click here to visit the Cultural Tourism Passport DC  website

Details

During the meeting, Ambassador Jeffry, congratulated Ambassador Habib and wished him every success in his responsibilities as Iraq’s next Ambassador the United States. Both Ambassadors discussed bilateral relations and common interests of both countries and tackled situations in the region.

In his opening speech, the Ambassador gave welcomed the attendees and congratulated the Kurdish people on this occasion. He said that all Iraqis share the joy of this day with their Kurdish citizens and this reflects the feelings of fraternity and solidarity between Iraqi people.

The festival included a photo exhibition, Kurdish music, traditional dancing, and Kurdish delicacies. At the end, the attendees thanked the Ambassador and the Iraqi Embassy for the festival.

Ambassador Habeb referred to the exceptional bilateral relations between the United States and Iraq on a broad range of issues. He emphasized the significance of strengthening and broadening the existing cooperation beyond national interests. Ambassador Habeb emphasized Iraq’s commitment towards safeguarding and promoting common democratic values and principles, while making special reference to the fact that Iraq is to remain an important partner and friend of the United States towards attaining these goals. Ambassador Habeb also expressed his desire to see a renewed spirit of cooperation as both U.S. and Iraq enter a new stage of bilateral relations.

During the meeting, President Barack Obama referred to the strong ties that exist between the United States and Iraq and praised the recent visit paid by Prime Minister Nori Al Maliky and its positive outcome. He also touched on the internal political disputes, and assured that Iraq will overcome it.

On the remarks of the presentation of the Ambassador’s letter of credence, President Obama warmly welcomed Ambassador Habeb to Washington and wished him every success in his vitally important responsibilities as Iraq’s next Ambassador to the United States. And he stated that over the last eight years, the Unites States worked closely with Iraq to establish a sovereign, self-reliant, and democratic Iraq. And despite the great challenges Iraq has achieved significant progress. Millions have cast their ballots in free elections, and Iraqis are working to build institutions that are efficient, independent, and transparent.

President Obama also mentioned, for the first time in two decades, Iraq is schedules to host the next Arab league Summit. Iraq is also forging new ties of trade and commerce regionally and internationally, and assuming its rightful place among the community of nations.  And he is willing to continue to partner with Iraq in this new chapter of relationship between the two countries to strengthen the institutions upon which Iraq’s democracy depends – free elections, a vibrant press, a strong civil society, professional police and law enforcement that upholds the rule of law, and independent judiciary that delivers justice fairly, and transparent institutions that serve all Iraqis.

President Obama warmly welcomed Ambassador Habeb to Washington and wished him every success in his high responsibilities as Iraq’s next Ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Habeb, in his remarks to President Obama, conveyed warm greetings from both the President and the Prime Minister of Iraq to him and Mrs. Michelle Obama.

On behalf of Iraq and its people, I welcome you to our public relations website. The Embassy of Iraq in Washington, D.C., endeavors to serve as a link between the Republic of Iraq and the government and people of the United States of America.

Our site aims to provide its users with information and links to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Iraqi government institutions and departments. Users can also access material about the Iraqi constitution, laws, official policies, programs and services. Students and researchers can find information about Iraq as a country; its history, geography and culture.

In the event that the site fails to meet your needs in any way, please feel free to contact the embassy directly, and our staff will be happy to assist you with your inquiry.

Jabir Habeb
Ambassador of Iraq