A Year in Baghdad: Ambassador Antti Putkonen’s Experiences in Iraq

The work of an ambassador offers a unique vantage point from which to observe relations between Finland and Iraq, as well as the region’s political, economic, and societal developments. Over the course of the year, Ambassador Putkonen has had the opportunity to familiarize himself with both the political environment and Iraqi society and culture, while also advancing Finland’s objectives in the country.

One year ago, Counsellor for Foreign Affairs Antti Putkonen began his assignment as Finland’s Ambassador to Iraq.

Now is a good moment to reflect on the experiences, achievements, and challenges of his first year. In this interview, Ambassador Putkonen shares his first impressions of Iraq, assesses the development of relations between the two countries, discusses the realities of diplomatic work in Baghdad, and outlines his views on future opportunities for cooperation.

First Year in Iraq

More than a year has now passed in Baghdad. How would you describe your first year in office?

My first year in Iraq has been truly interesting and diverse. I have had the opportunity to meet many Iraqis and travel to different parts of the country, so it feels as though the year has gone by very quickly.

From the perspective of Finnish-Iraqi bilateral relations, it was particularly valuable that Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen visited Baghdad in February. It was the first ministerial visit from Finland in nearly six years. Supporting the activities of Finnish companies has also been an important part of my work. One notable aspect of my first year was, of course, the 40-day war in the spring, which also had an impact on our work in Iraq.

What were your first impressions of Iraq, and have they changed during the year?

My first impressions upon arriving here were undoubtedly shaped by the exceptionally warm and friendly welcome I received. Iraq and the Iraqi people are known for their hospitality, and that reputation certainly proved true in my case. The past year has only reinforced that impression.

What has positively surprised you about your host country?

Iraq’s overall security situation is more stable than many assessments had led me to expect in advance. After many difficult decades, the country’s stability continues to strengthen. This is something that can be seen and experienced in a very concrete way, both in Baghdad and other parts of the country.

Relations Between Finland and Iraq

How would you assess the current state of relations between Finland and Iraq?

Relations between Finland and Iraq are at an excellent level. This is demonstrated both by the ministerial visit and by the meeting between President Alexander Stubb and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi in New York on 23 September, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, during the early part of my second year in office.

In which areas has cooperation between the two countries developed the most over the past year?

Official cooperation between Finland and Iraq has advanced on many fronts. One of the most significant developments has been cooperation between police authorities, which gained momentum following the Minister of the Interior’s visit.

I would also say that the interest shown by Finnish companies toward Iraq has increasingly begun to translate into concrete projects during the past year.

What are currently the most important themes in bilateral relations between Finland and Iraq?

It is clear, due to the continuing regional tensions in the Middle East and the military hostilities witnessed in the spring, that security policy issues and related discussions are currently of great importance.

At the same time, we continue to advance other aspects of the relationship, such as increasing awareness of Finnish expertise and technology. Cooperation through civil society organizations also continues in areas such as water resource management and support for entrepreneurship.

Current Issues

How do you see Iraq’s development in the current regional and international environment?

Iraq’s positive trajectory already makes it an important regional actor, and I believe its international standing will continue to strengthen as a result.

Iraq pursues a balanced and neutral foreign policy, and as a country home to many different religious communities, its views are respected both in the East and the West.

What are Iraq’s greatest strengths and opportunities for the future?

In my meetings, I have often pointed out that Iraq’s greatest strength is not its oil reserves, but its young population.

Young people want to be part of a more peaceful and modern Iraq than the previous generations have been able to experience over recent decades.

However, a growing population is also a challenge. It requires investment in education, economic diversification, private-sector development, and attention to environmental sustainability. In this way, opportunities can be created for young people to transition into productive employment and contribute to a more even distribution of prosperity throughout society.

Economy and Business

Is interest among Finnish companies in the Iraqi market increasing?

Yes, I believe it is. Iraq represents a potential partner for Finnish companies across many sectors. Establishing cooperation requires a local presence, and I have encouraged Finnish companies to travel to Iraq and meet both government officials and business representatives.

Which sectors offer the best opportunities for Finnish expertise?

Electricity generation, the broader energy sector, Finland’s education system, and various high-tech solutions are frequently highlighted, whether related to telecommunications networks or clean technologies.

Climate change is having a profound impact on Iraq, which is why I hope to see solutions from Finnish companies in areas such as water management and waste management benefiting the Iraqi people.

The Everyday Work of Diplomacy

What does the daily life of an ambassador in Baghdad look like in practice?

The work is varied and focuses on increasing awareness of Finland and supporting cooperation with Iraq. Daily activities consist of meetings, various conferences, and, of course, travel to different parts of the country. The work also involves learning about Iraqi society and culture, whether through visits to religious shrines or engagement with civil society organizations.

What have you learned about diplomacy and international cooperation during the past year?

One particularly important lesson is the need to allow sufficient time for discussions and meetings with different people and organizations. At its core, diplomacy is about human interaction and dialogue.

How do you maintain contacts with Iraqi authorities and other partners?

I strive to meet a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials and political leaders, on a regular basis and whenever circumstances require.

WhatsApp is also used, but information exchange and discussions almost always take place face-to-face. I also participate in various events and functions where it is possible to meet new people and organizations.

Looking Ahead

What are the most important goals for your second year in office?

The aim is, on the one hand, to advance the agreed sectors of governmental cooperation more effectively and, on the other hand, to provide stronger support for Finnish companies and their opportunities in the Iraqi market.

In addition, we are examining Iraq’s security and stability from the perspective of potentially easing the level of our travel advisory.

What do you expect from relations between Finland and Iraq in the coming years?

I believe that relations between our countries will remain diverse and close and hopefully continue to expand. It is important to remember that many people of Iraqi background live in Finland, and a large number of them are already Finnish citizens. Their contribution to strengthening relations between our two countries is significant.

When this posting comes to an end, what would you like it to be remembered for?

I hope that, for my part, I will have helped move cooperation between Finland and Iraq one step further forward. Iraq is a valuable partner for Finland, and all of our work is aimed at strengthening and broadening that partnership.

If you had to describe Iraq in one word and explain your choice, what would that word be?

Hospitality. I have had the opportunity to live, work, and serve in many countries, but I have never before experienced hospitality quite like that of the Iraqi people.

Without exception, I have received an exceptionally warm welcome everywhere I have visited, and that is something I will undoubtedly remember most vividly from my years in Iraq.