Brazil is resuming relations with Iraq, which were downgraded during the Gulf War. The Brazilian government wants to promote closer commercial ties with Baghdad.
In a Foreign Ministry communiqué issued late Friday, the Brazilian government announced it is re-activating its embassy in Baghdad.
Brazil first established diplomatic relations with Iraq in 1967, but then downgraded them during the 1991 Gulf War, when Brazil supported the U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed against Iraq.
In Friday's communique, the Foreign Ministry said with the resumption of limited Iraqi oil sales, trade between Brazil and Iraq has resumed. The statement said more Brazilian companies are now expressing interest in selling goods to Iraq, which has led Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso to decide to establish limited diplomatic ties with Baghdad.
However, the statement said Brazil will continue to adhere to the Security Council resolutions on Iraq, and awaits the normalization of relations between Baghdad and the international community.