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The Iraqi Embassy in Spain, in coordination with the Executive Secretariat of the International Olive Council (IOC), hosted an official ceremony in Madrid on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to celebrate Iraq's return to full membership status. The event featured the formal raising of the Iraqi flag at the IOC headquarters alongside other member states, marking a significant milestone for the country's agricultural sector.
The ceremony was attended by the Executive Director of the IOC, Jaime Lillo, alongside representatives of member nations, Arab and foreign ambassadors, and various diplomatic officials. Following the ceremony, a reception was held featuring a tasting session of award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from the Mario Solinas Quality Award, the world's most prestigious prize for olive oil excellence.
Iraq's Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Ali Shamran Hachem, delivered a welcoming address emphasizing the strategic importance of this membership. The event also featured a recorded speech by Iraq's Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abdul Rahim Jassim Al-Shammari, who underscored the growing economic significance of the global olive sector and the promising investment opportunities it offers.
The Minister detailed the Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to modernize the sector, including diversifying olive seedling production across Iraqi provinces and preserving genetic diversity. He highlighted that full IOC membership serves as a vital platform for accessing modern technologies and expertise, which will directly benefit Iraqi farmers and enhance productivity to achieve food security.
Ambassador Hachem added that this reintegration is a major step toward expanding international cooperation in research and investment. He expressed gratitude for the support provided by the IOC Secretariat and member states, particularly Arab nations, while noting the importance of learning from Spain's world-leading expertise in olive cultivation.
This initiative aligns with the Iraqi Embassy's broader mission to strengthen Iraq's presence in international organizations and foster partnerships that support sustainable agricultural development and the elevation of Iraqi olive oil standards.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq