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The International Olive Council (IOC) celebrated the Republic of Iraq’s membership today with a flag-raising ceremony at its headquarters in Madrid on 21 October, bringing together ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to mark a new chapter in cooperation.
The ceremony follows , after two years of participation as an observer.
The programme featured a video presentation on Iraq’s olive sector, statements by IOC Executive Director Jaime Lillo and the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Spain, H.E. Mr Ali Shamran Hajem, and a video message from the country’s Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Mr Abdul-Rahim Jasim Al-Shammari.
Welcoming Iraq, Jaime Lillo highlighted the contribution its olive diversity and development potential could make to the Organisation’s work. “Every new member brings new knowledge, new varieties, new landscapes, new traditions and new perspectives,” he said. “And every new member makes our Organisation stronger, more representative and more diverse.”
In his video statement, Iraq’s Minister of Agriculture emphasised the opportunities that membership offers for the country’s producers and farmers. “We highly value these partnerships, which serve as a vital contribution to Iraq’s efforts to develop the olive sector, improve production and quality, and boost competitiveness.”
From the IOC headquarters, Ambassador Hajem remarked that “the occasion carries a significance that goes beyond the ceremony itself: it marks an important step in renewing [Iraq’s] engagement with the Council and reflects our commitment to international cooperation, the preservation of agricultural diversity, and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources.”
Data provided by Iraq to the IOC for the 2023/24 crop year reported production of 340 tonnes of table olives and 34 tonnes of olive oil. These figures point to a sector with room to grow, supported by cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
As the IOC’s Executive Director remarked: “The olive tree has travelled across countries and civilisations for thousands of years. Today, it continues to bring people together.”
The accession of new members to the IOC reaffirms the value of multilateralism in an increasingly fragmented world. By strengthening cooperation and working towards shared goals, countries can build a more robust, resilient and sustainable olive sector.
