23 March 2016 - The new Iraqi Ambassador-designate to the Philippines, H.E. Hazim Ahmed Mahmud Al-Yousifi, paid a courtesy call on Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras on March 21. During his call, Ambassador Al-Yousifi expressed his eagerness to work with the Department and his enthusiasm to foster bilateral relations between the Philippines and Iraq. Ambassador Al-Yousifi said that Iraq holds the Philippines in high regard and recognizes its important role in the region. 

Ambassador Al-Yousifi conveyed his intention to convene the Philippines-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting to move forward bilateral talks on various areas of cooperation. 

Secretary Almendras welcomed Ambassador Al-Yousifi and wished him a fruitful and enjoyable stay in the country. The Secretary informed Ambassador Al-Yousifi that the Philippines and the Middle East have strong people-to-people linkages, which are as important as economic and political ties.

He thanked Ambassador Al-Yousifi for the Iraqi government’s support for the Mindanao Peace Process. 

During the call, Ambassador Al-Yousifi presented to the Secretary a copy of his letter of credence for the President.

Ambasador Al-Yousifi is the first newly-arrived foreign diplomat received by Secretary Almendras since he assumed office as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. 

Ambassador Al-Yousifi arrived in Manila on March 03. Before his assignment to the Philippines, he was the Iraqi Ambassador to the Republic of Morocco since 2010. He was a member of the Iraqi Parliament before joining the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. END