The embassy in Baghdad was closed during the 1991 Gulf War and unlike many other European missions there, it never reopened until now.

The security situation has improved to such a degree after years of conflict that it is now safe to again have a presence in Iraq, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Iraq is playing an increasingly important role as a bridge-builder and mediator in the Middle East and one of the aims of the embassy is to strengthen bilateral relations, the statement added.

“In recent years, Iraq has repeatedly campaigned for peace and security in the region,” it said.

It says with its energy resources and economic diversification, Iraq offers interesting long-term export and investment opportunities for Swiss companies.”