During his official visit to Bagdad on Thursday, Greek Foreign Minister, Giorgos Gerapetritis, announced, among others, that direct flights between Athens and Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, will start in December 2025.

He stressed that the direct flights between Athens and Erbil will begin in December by Aegean Airlines, and noted that  Greece will be the first country among the European Union states to have a direct air link with Baghdad. 

In statements following his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein in Baghdad, the Greek FM stressed that “ we look forward to a stable political environment in Iraq that will provide fertile ground on which to build.”

He emphasized that relations between the two countries and peoples date back to ancient times and noted that Iraq is one of Greece’s most important trading partners.

Gerapetritis and Hussein also discussed prospects for further promoting economic cooperation in investment, energy, academia, tourism, agriculture, construction, and water management technology. They also agreed to leverage economic relations with the aim of increasing the volume of bilateral trade.

“ The 9th Session of our Joint Interministerial Committee, which took place 10 days ago between the two deputy ministers here in Baghdad, was a promising step in this direction,” said Gerapetritis.

He described Iraq as one of the most influential countries in the area and noted that Greece is ready to support the strengthening of relations between the European Union and Iraq, as well as the economic development in the wider region.

Gerapetris also noted that Greece will hold the presidency of the Forum of Ancient Civilisations for 2025, and he invited his Iraqi counterpart to the upcoming 9th Ministerial Meeting in Athens on December.