Iraq accepts credentials of seven new ambassadors

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received the credentials of seven new ambassadors at separate meetings in Baghdad. The envoys represent Thailand, Switzerland, Canada, Panama, Belarus, Guatemala and Estonia. The new ambassadors include Thailand's Chirapong Jirampaikul, Switzerland's Peter Nilsson, Canada's Juliette Guindon, Panama's José Ulises Lescure, Belarus's Anatoly Glaz, Guatemala's Jorge Rafael Archila and Estonia's Ingrid Amur, the ministry said. Hussein congratulated the diplomats on their appointments and expressed Iraq's interest in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with their countries across various sectors, according to the ministry's statement. Under diplomatic protocol, the ambassadors are required to present their credentials to the Iraqi president as well.