13 May 2003

Joint Statement - Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Alexander Downer, and Minister for Trade, The Hon Mark Vaile

Australian Mission to Reopen in Baghdad

We are pleased to announce the re-establishment of an Australian Mission in Baghdad.

Australia is firmly committed to developing its bilateral relationship with Iraq, and participating in the continuing development of Iraq. Iraq will be an important power in the Middle East in years to come, a region of significant strategic importance to Australia. The office will include representatives of DFAT, Austrade, DIMIA and Defence to enable Australia to advance its commercial, security, immigration and humanitarian interests in post-conflict Iraq.

The Australian Representative Office will help advance important Australian trade interests. Australia already has strong commercial interests in Iraq, supplying 90 per cent of its wheat market, and Australian business has expressed interest in opportunities in a range of other sectors.

The Government has committed $24.8 million over five years to re-establish the mission in Baghdad.

The Australian Representative Office will open when security conditions on the ground permit.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Mr. Downer's office) +61 02 6277 7500 / Matt Doman (Mr. Vaile’s office) +61 02 62777420