Latest news with #StephenHitchen
Iraqi News
28-02-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
British Ambassador on the occasion of the end of his mission: I express my gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years
Baghdad-INA British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen sent a message to the Iraqis on the occasion of the end of his term. Hitchen said in his message via the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Dear Iraqis, I will be leaving your beloved country in a few days, and I would like to express my deep gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years." He added: "I will tell you a secret, my wife is angry with me, and this is not new, but this time there is a specific reason! She saw videos of me enjoying the beauty of your country, she saw me on top of the Malwiya Minaret, and on the banks of the Euphrates in Ramadi, and she saw me tasting Masgouf, Dolma, Bajeh, Zarda, Dahina, and Turab Al-Muluk, she saw me in the mountains of Barzan and the marshes of Dhi Qar, and in the churches of Baghdad and Mar Mattai Monastery , and among the shrines of the Imams in Samarra, Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiya, and she also saw me celebrating the birth of the Prophet in Al-A'dhamiyah. The result? She is very angry and insists that we return one day as tourists!" 'I have learned a lot from you, the true meaning of courage, kindness, and I have seen how you, despite all the challenges, put hospitality first.!' He continued, 'I have been fortunate to see Iraq these days at its best since the 1970s, and despite the great progress, there are still challenges, and I am proud that the UK is working with you to address it. The economy remains the biggest of these challenges: we announced exports worth $15 billion during Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's visit to London. In the field of education, we launched 12 new university partnerships, and the University of London opened in Erbil.' 'On climate change, which could threaten stability and progress, we have signed a new agreement on this issue, and announced significant British investment in water resource management. The threat of drug and human trafficking is no less dangerous than terrorism, so we are working with you to build a new agreement to support the police and enhance border security. Finally, we all know that success cannot be achieved without empowering half of society, which is why we have started a dialogue to enhance women's political and economic participation in a framework of respect and cooperation.' 'I have witnessed a significant transformation in Iraq and its place in the world,' the British Ambassador said in his message. 'Previously, the talk was about how Iraq's problems affect the region. Today, the focus is on how to protect Iraq from the crises of the region. Iraq is no longer just an item on the international agenda, but has become a participant in shaping it. Your experience and wisdom are of enormous value, especially to your neighbors in Syria, as they seek to emerge from the legacy of the past. Our partnership today is a partnership of equals. I have never been prouder than when I welcomed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to his meeting with the King as an honored guest. The weather was cold, but the welcome was warm.' He added: "I wish this great country prosperity and stability, but with the rapid population growth (2.3% annually) and the decline in oil prices since my arrival, there must be rapid economic reform that revives the private sector and invests in the Iraqi people." He continued: "Secondly, governance precedes political competition, and you have an upcoming test with the elections. There are two paths ahead of you: either quickly form a new government that will enhance the momentum of progress, or a long delay that may drain what has been achieved over the past two years. Patriotism requires making concessions, and quickly." Finally, Hitchen says: "You alone are capable of solving your problems. You have the creativity, intelligence and flexibility to overcome challenges, but we hope to be by your side in this journey, not only because we want to help, but simply because we find exceptional comfort and warmth in you." He concluded by saying: "It seems that I have talked at length, and I do not want to offend the prestige of "Abu Naji", but I am about to cry! It is time for me to go and reconcile with my wife All the best."
Shafaq News
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Outgoing UK ambassador to Iraq reaffirms support for Kurdistan Region
Shafaq News/ On Monday, UK Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen reaffirmed his country's continued support for the Kurdistan Region during a farewell meeting with Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani, as he concluded his diplomatic tenure in Iraq. In a statement, Barzani expressed his 'gratitude for the Ambassador's effortsin strengthening ties between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.' He recognized the Ambassador's 'important role in promoting cooperation across different sectors and wished him all the best in his future endeavors. In response, Hitchen thanked Kurdistan and its people for their support during his tenure and reiterated the United Kingdom's 'ongoing commitment to supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in all its aspects.' According to the statement, the meeting also addressed the UK's relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, among other 'shared interests,' and was attended by the British Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.
Rudaw Net
23-02-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
President Barzani receives UK Ambassador for farewell visit
Also in Kurdistan Public sector workers block oil trucks in protest over unpaid salaries Kurdish authorities warn companies to register delivery motorcycles KDP, PUK meet for government formation talks KRG says Baghdad needs to resolve two matters before resuming oil exports A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received the outgoing British ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen, on Sunday for a farewell visit, according to the Kurdistan Region's presidency. President Barzani expressed his gratitude for the ambassador's 'efforts in strengthening ties between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,' recognizing his 'important role in promoting cooperation across different sectors,' read a statement by the Kurdistan Region presidency. For his part, Hitchen was quoted as expressing gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for its cooperation and reaffirmed the United Kingdom's 'ongoing commitment to supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in all its aspects.' The meeting also touched on the UK's relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as other issues of mutual interest. The UK played a pivotal role in training the Kurdish Peshmerga during the 2014 war against the Islamic State (ISIS) and continues to be part of an global coalition working on significant reforms within the Peshmerga ministry. Currently, up to 1,400 British troops are stationed in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, providing military assistance and advisory to both the Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces. In 1991, former British premier Sir John Major played a key role in establishing a no-fly zone in northern Iraq, which provided a safe haven for Kurds from the Baathist regime and helped facilitate their autonomy. In recognition of his contribution, an Erbil street was named after him in April 2021. The United Kingdom maintains strong military and security relations with Iraq and signed a Strategic Partnership in 2021 to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, education, and culture.
Shafaq News
29-01-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
UK Ambassador to Iraq urges 'swift' government formation
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, British Ambassador to Baghdad, Stephen Hitchen, urged the 'swift' formation of Iraq's government immediately after the upcoming elections. During the Iraq Energy 2025 Conference in Baghdad, Hitchen warned that prolonged political negotiations—similar to those that led to the formation of the current government—would hinder the completion of key projects and 'undermine the country's reputation.' On the security front, the ambassador acknowledged that some British, European, and Western companies have exercised caution regarding Iraq due to the security situation. However, he emphasized that Iraq's security environment is improving, with the situation in 2025 significantly better than in previous years. He also noted that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's government is operating within a legal framework. Regarding Al-Sudani's last visit to London, he pointed out that several agreements were signed for major projects worth £12 billion, describing the amount as substantial. Hitchen further voiced support for the Prime Minister's ambition to achieve energy independence in the coming years, stressing joint efforts to implement a plan to end gas flaring in Iraq. Acknowledging that ending gas flaring would take several years, the UK ambassador stressed the importance of setting a clear timeframe for completing the plan, pointing out that revenues from gas could be allocated to sectors such as education and healthcare.
