Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis announced that Greek Airlines will begin operating direct flights between Athens and Baghdad starting next December. He expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Iraq in the fields of economy, trade, and education.

This announcement came during a joint press conference held by the Greek Foreign Minister and his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, at the Foreign Ministry building in Baghdad.

Gerapetritis stated that Iraq is one of Greece’s most important trade partners in the region, praising Iraq’s rich heritage and historical significance. He noted that both sides agreed to develop economic cooperation in tourism, agriculture, investment, and water management technologies. He emphasized that the launch of the direct air route between Athens and Baghdad will be the first direct flight between a European country and Iraq.

He also touched on the Ancient Civilizations Forum, stressing its importance in promoting cultural and historical dialogue between nations. He pointed out that both Iraq and Greece support the forum’s initiatives aimed at fostering values of human and civilizational understanding.

For his part, Fuad Hussein welcomed the move to resume direct flights to Baghdad, affirming that it will help strengthen social ties and boost economic and tourism exchange between the two countries. He also confirmed Iraq’s desire to expand cooperation and exchange expertise with Greece in the field of water management.