The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commemorates the Sixteenth Anniversary of One of the Deadliest Attacks in its History. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week reaffirmed its commitment to service and national unity as it marked sixteen years since one of the deadliest attacks in its history, the terrorist bombing that targeted the Ministry building in 2009, highlighting Iraq’s ongoing efforts against terrorism and the resilience of its institutions. 
 
Speaking at a memorial held in Baghdad on Tuesday, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein reminded attendees that Iraq has endured multiple strikes against its diplomatic presence - from the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters that claimed the life of UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello along with a number of UN staff members, to the 2009 explosion that tore through the Ministry’s building and killed 45 of its employees while injuring dozens more. He noted that such tragedies were part of wider attempts to undermine Iraqi sovereignty and silence its diplomatic voice. 
 
The Minister noted that Iraq’s foreign service continues to expand its role and strengthen the country’s regional and international position. He emphasized that the commemoration serves both to honour the fallen and to renew the Ministry’s commitment to rebuilding and service. 
 
Senior officials and relatives of the victims attended Tuesday’s ceremony. The program began with a Qur’anic recitation in honour of the martyrs, after which Minister Hussein, accompanied by an honour guard, laid a wreath of flowers at the martyrs’ memorial. He then met with several families to convey the Ministry’s appreciation for their continued strength. 
 
Those in attendance reflected on the sacrifice of the 45 staff members who lost their lives in the 2009 attack, as well as the dozens who were injured. According to Ministry officials, the event served as a reminder that every achievement in foreign policy has been built on the courage of those who refused to abandon their posts during dark times.
 
Participants stated that the ceremony was not only an occasion for remembrance but also a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s ongoing mission. They affirmed that the legacy of those lost will continue to guide the country’s diplomatic efforts both domestically and internationally.