Press Release: EU and Iraq launch negotiations for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement

On 20 November 2006, the European Commission and the Iraqi government will open in Brussels the negotiations for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the EU and Iraq. The negotiations will be launched by Commissioners Ferrero-Waldner and Mandelson, on behalf of the Commission, and by Barham Salih, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, on behalf of Iraq. The TCA will help to progressively strengthen the EU’s relations with Iraq and integrate the country in the world economy.