German foreign minister visits Iraq - by Chris Bryant
Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday on the first visit by a German foreign minister since Germany opposed the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.The visit signals a clear shift in in Berlin’s diplomatic and economic engagement with Baghdad, coming some 22 years after a German foreign minister last set foot in Iraq. The trip takes place less than a month after Barack Obama took office as president, having pledged to withdraw US troops from the country. Officials in Berlin said it was not a coincidence that the visit was taking place now that the White House had a new occupant, who has signaled a new approach towards Iraq. During his visit, Mr Steinmeier will pledge Germany’s support towards rebuilding the country and announce measures to bring about closer economic cooperation. He will be accompanied by representatives of German industry who may hope to restore business ties with Iraq now that the security situation in Baghdad has somewhat improved.
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