The ambassador said the situation in Baghdad and other parts of Iraq, especially after the withdrawal of 1000 US troops last year, was getting better
Jakarta, Jan 20 (ANTARA) - Iraq Ambassador to Indonesia Ismieal S Muhsin expressed hope Indonesia will reopen its embassy in Baghdad soon.

"Up till now, there are 70 foreign representative offices in Iraq. I encourage Indonesia to reactivate its embassy in Baghdad to support and boost more cooperation between us. Without representative office, cooperation between the two country will always be limited," the ambassador said here on Wednesday during his visit to ANTARA News Agency in Central Jakarta.

The ambassador said the situation in Baghdad and other parts of Iraq, especially after the withdrawal of 100,000 US troops last year, was getting better.

However, he admitted there were challenges in rebuilding the nation and his government was making every effort to handle it.

In the economic sector, he said, Iraq planned to boost its revenue by developing its oil industry. "Right now Iraq produces 2 million barrels of oil per day.

For 2016 we are targeting to produce 12 million barrels per day which will surpass Saudi Arabia`s oil production," he said adding that Indonesia must see this as an opportunity to increase cooperation with Iraq, especially in the oil sector.

Asked about the security issue which was considered as one of the factors hampering Indonesia to reopen its embassy in Baghdad, Muhsin said his government could recommend a green zone location for Indonesia`s embassy in Baghdad.

"There will be many checkpoints and no one can go there without permission. The most important thing is that Indonesia should reopen its representative office in Iraq to smooth communication and business between the two countries," he added.

Meanwhile, spokesman to Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry Michael Tene when interviewed through phone admitted Indonesia was considering to reopen its embassy in Iraq. "But the time has not yet been decided," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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