Article by Hans Weber

The Czech Republic has a new ambassador in Iraq. Petr Kaván, previously Ambassador to Cuba and responsible for relations with the United States at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has presented a copy of his letter of credence to Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the long-standing relations between the Czech Republic and Iraq.

A Warm Welcome at the Foreign Ministry

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baghdad, Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Iraq, received the new Czech ambassador for the formal presentation of a copy of his credentials. As reported by the Iraqi news agency Shafaq, the minister warmly welcomed Petr Kaván, wished him every success and assured him of his ministry’s full support in carrying out his mission.

In the talks that followed, both sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Ambassador Kaván thanked the minister for the cordial reception and stressed that the Czech Republic is keen to strengthen its relations with Iraq and to continue cooperation and coordination in the period ahead.

With the copy of his credentials presented, the new ambassador can officially take up his duties; the letter of credence itself will be handed to the President of Iraq at a separate ceremony.

The New Ambassador: Petr Kaván

In Petr Kaván, Prague is sending an experienced diplomat to one of the most demanding capitals in the region. His career has given him a deep familiarity with very different parts of the world – an ideal background for a post where regional tensions, reconstruction and economic opportunity sit side by side.

As Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Cuba, where he presented his credentials to President Miguel Díaz-Canel in October 2020, he demonstrated a fine sense for diplomatically sensitive terrain. In Havana, the task was to cultivate relations with a country in a difficult political situation, to represent Czech interests and at the same time to uphold clear values – a role that calls for tact, patience and steadfastness.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Prague, Petr Kaván subsequently held responsibility for relations with the United States – the Czech Republic’s most important ally outside Europe. This experience at the heart of transatlantic relations should serve him well in Baghdad, where the United States continues to play an important role and where security and economic questions are closely intertwined with international partners.

Petr Kaván succeeds Jan Šnaidauf, who had headed the embassy since September 2024.

The Czech Republic and Iraq: A Partnership With History

The ties between Prague and Baghdad go back a long way. Already in the days of Czechoslovakia, Czech engineers, power-plant builders and industrial companies were in demand in Iraq, and many Iraqis studied at Czechoslovak universities – connections that still resonate today.

The Czech Republic also kept the connection alive in difficult times. The Czech embassy in Baghdad remained open when many other countries closed their missions. Czech soldiers took part in the international training mission, and the aircraft manufacturer Aero Vodochody supplied Iraq with L-159 light combat and training aircraft. Through development cooperation and a dedicated reconstruction programme – funded with CZK 300 million for 2022 to 2024 alone – the Czech Republic supports the country’s stabilisation.

Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala described Iraq as one of the Czech Republic’s most important partners in the Middle East and as a potentially significant oil supplier. Czech exports to Iraq grew by 23 percent in 2024.

New Opportunities on the Tigris

For Czech companies, Iraq offers considerable potential. The country holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves and is investing in infrastructure reconstruction. There is demand for expertise for which the Czech Republic is internationally known: energy technology and power-plant construction, water management and irrigation, medical technology and healthcare, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and the defense and aviation industry.

At the same time, Iraq is an important factor in Europe’s energy security and in regional stability. An ambassador who understands the mechanics of high-level politics and the art of building trust in a difficult environment is exactly the right person for this post.

PragueForum congratulates Ambassador Petr Kaván on his new mission and wishes him every success in Baghdad.