Iraqi Embassy Hosts Key Talks on History and Heritage

A recent meeting between senior Iraqi diplomatic and academic figures in London has highlighted ongoing efforts to document Iraq’s recent history while reinforcing its scholarly and cultural presence abroad.

His Excellency Dr. Salih Husain Ali Al-Tamimi, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, received Dr. Aqeel Ghalib Al-Fatlawi, a researcher specialising in the history of ancient Iraqi civilisations. Dr Al-Fatlawi serves as the General Coordinator of the Arab Council of the General Union of Arab Archaeologists at the Leage of Arab States and is part of a team that recently published an encyclopaedia documenting the crimes committed by terrorist organisations in Iraq, including those against cultural sites. The publication of the encyclopaedia was undertaken by the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, with translation efforts currently underway to make the works accessible in multiple languages.

The meeting took place as part of Dr Al-Fatlawi’s visit to the UK, where he delivered lectures about his work at several prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Leicester, Durham University and University College London.

During the meeting, the ambassador affirmed that “intellectual and cultural achievements play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and in strengthening the true image of Iraq as a country possessing a distinguished civilisational heritage extending across history.”

Dr Al-Fatlawi, in turn, praised the cultural and academic activities supported by the Iraqi embassy in London, with the meeting concluding with expressions of appreciation for the ambassador’s hospitality.

It is meetings such as this which are vital in ensuring that the safeguarding of Iraq’s abundant archaeological and historical sites remains a top priority for the Iraqi government.

Source: Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in London