Iraq and Bolivia signed a statement to establish diplomatic relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement: "The signing ceremony of the statement establishing joint diplomatic relations between the governments of Iraq and the Plurinational State of Bolivia took place in the building of the Permanent Mission of Iraq in New York." It indicated: "The statement was signed by the Chargé d'Affairs of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations in New York, Abbas Kadhim Obaid, on behalf of the Government of Iraq, while it was signed on the Bolivian side by the Permanent Representative of the State of Bolivia to the United Nations, Ambassador Decor Barry Rodriguez." It added: "During the signing ceremony, the importance of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries and the mechanisms for strengthening them were indicated in a way that serves their interests in various fields, and enhances respect, peace, and national sovereignty between the two countries. The Iraqi Chargé d'Affaires expressed his hope that this step would be followed by practical steps to strengthen bilateral relations through the exchange of visits between the two sides, joint coordination, mutual support, and trade and cultural exchange, especially since Iraq seeks to expand its relations and representation in the continents of the world. For his part, the Bolivian Ambassador expressed his happiness at establishing diplomatic relations between Iraq and Bolivia, stressing the importance of this step in serving the interests of the two countries and benefiting from mutual experiences in various sectors, and initiating trade exchanges and mutual support. Source: National Iraqi News Agency