Visit By Iraqi Governing Council Member A First

We are pleased that the Hon Jalal Talabani, a permanent member of the new Iraqi Governing Council, and Secretary-General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, is visiting Australia from 20-25 August at the invitation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

This is the first visit to Australia by an Iraqi political leader after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. 

Mr Talabani’s visit underlines Australia’s strong support for the recently established Iraqi Governing Council and the goodwill between the people of Australia and the people of Iraq. 

Australia is working together with the Iraqi people to assist Iraq’s rehabilitation from two decades of repression, abuse and neglect under Saddam’s brutal regime.  Australia is providing $100 million in aid to Iraq, including significant technical assistance, especially in the field of agriculture.  The deplorable terrorist attack in Baghdad overnight, which resulted in the tragic death of United Nations Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and other UN staff dedicated to helping the Iraqi people, should serve only to strengthen the commitment of the international community to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country.

Mr Talabani will travel to Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth to meet with a number of other federal and state ministers including Defence Minister Robert Hill, Attorney-General Daryl Williams, Agricultural Minister Warren Truss and Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock.  He will also meet with representatives of Australian companies interested in developing long-term commercial relationships with Iraq.

Contacts:  Chris Kenny (Downer's office) (02) 6277 7500, Matthew Doman (Vaile’s office)  (02) 6277 7420