“I think that these elections will really define the future of the region, not only the future of Iraq, which indeed will be decided, but as well the future of the region,” he said, noting that Iraq is a key country for regional stability and expressing his admiration for Baghdad’s efforts to mediate regionally, such as last month’s Baghdad summit.
Spanish experts and observers are part of a record large international effort to monitor the vote with teams from both the United Nations and the European Union.
Ambassador Martinez-Avial also discussed the possibilities for Spanish businesses to work in Iraq. In the 1980s many Spanish companies were in the country and now there is growing interest in Iraq, he said. Spanish companies can help to build factories and infrastructure to create industry and transport goods, especially through railways.
Spain has the second largest railway network in the world and has used its experience in construction of the Mecca-Medina railway and the Riyadh metro. “Our train and railway companies are working abroad. Any why not in Iraq?” he said.
