New head of MFA's Middle East and North Africa Department visits Iraq
Robert Rydberg, an MFA diplomat with many years' experience, has spent several days travelling around Iraq in a helmet and bullet-proof vest on his first official trip. The new head of the Middle East and North Africa Department wanted to observe one of the most important countries in his new field of work with his own eyes.
The Swedish Embassy in Baghdad is still under construction and is expected to open in six months. Photo: Robert Rydberg/MFA
You have previously worked in this region, in Israel: how does it feel to now have the whole of the Middle East and North Africa as your field of work?
Robert Rydberg wearing protective clothing during his visit to Iraq. Photo: Niclas Trouvé/MFA
"It's enjoyable and exciting to get an overview of the whole region. But of course it isn't easy. It's a region with many unresolved conflicts and crises that directly affect us in Europe, such as Iran's nuclear programme, the situation in Iraq, the Middle East conflict, terrorist groups in a number of countries, etc. The Middle East and North Africa is a region that is important for us for many reasons - not least its proximity to Europe and the large number of Swedes with their roots in the region. This creates opportunities for cooperation, but also pressure on us in consular and migration affairs. Oil is at the heart of the global economy and many countries in the region are experiencing dynamic economic growth, which gives great opportunities for Swedish companies."
Are you planning any more trips to the region in the near future?
"My ambition is to visit several parts of the region before our EU Presidency next year. On the one hand, I want to learn more and form my own views, and on the other hand I want to meet our people in the region. That's important."
Why did you choose Iraq for your first official trip?
"Iraq is emerging from a dark tunnel and the country is facing decisive decisions and processes. This makes it even more important to follow developments carefully. We are also in a dynamic phase in our relations - not least, much is expected of us since we hosted the major Iraq conference (ICI) in the spring. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has visited Baghdad and soon the Minister for Trade will also visit the country. Another reason for choosing Iraq for my first official trip is the fact that we hope to have our embassy in place within about six months. This will give us even better opportunities to develop our bilateral relations. And it's important to see with our own eyes what the situation really is in the field in a country with such a difficult security situation."
What was your impression of the situation in Iraq?
"I visited Baghdad and Erbil - two very different places. Baghdad is still dominated by concrete walls and military vehicles, although the security situation is much better now than it was a year ago. You can't walk around and talk to ordinary people. But political and international representatives still stressed the progress that has been made in Iraq. Everybody is looking forward. I could feel those representatives' pride over the progress made. Everyone I spoke to believed that Iraq will succeed in the end, although many were, of course, acutely aware of the risks and difficulties."
Given Iraq's ethnic and religious composition and the conflicts that exist, how does the country's future appear to you?
"One positive trend is that violence between Sunnis and Shias has declined considerably. These days violence is primarily directed against the representatives of the new Iraq, often al-Qaida linked violence. It is a tough task for the Iraqis to hold their country together in accordance with the federal constitution that they have adopted. One difficult dispute which the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government must resolve is the issue of the future of Kirkuk. But I believe that there is a willingness from various quarters to succeed. The fact that the parties have agreed to hold regional elections in January is an important step. But there are also dangerous forces, both in Iraq and outside, that want to sabotage these efforts. This is another reason why it is so important that we in Sweden get involved and help Iraq to help itself."
What impression and flavours have you taken with you from Iraq?
"The fantastic view over Erbil from the millennia-old citadel made a strong impression on me, as did the city's small shops and spice markets and all the people I met there that I could speak Swedish with. Sweden is big in Iraqi Kurdistan, and so are expectations of us. The security situation in Baghdad gave me no opportunity to experience life there. One day, I hope to be able to look around Iraq's archaeological museum, maybe also to visit Nineveh, Ur and Babylon and take a walk along the Euphrates and the Tigris."
