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Iraq officially became a member of the International Olive Council (IOC) on 8 August 2026, further expanding the Organisation’s membership and strengthening its presence in the Middle East.
The accession follows two years of participation by Iraq as an observer in IOC activities, during which the country became increasingly familiar with the Organisation’s work and the opportunities offered by international cooperation in the olive sector.
On Wednesday 9 September, the Jaime Lillo, Executive Director of the IOC, welcomed the recently appointed Ambassador of Iraq to Spain, H.E. Mr Ali Shamran Hajem, to the Organisation’s headquarters in Madrid for a courtesy visit marking the beginning of this new stage in relations between Iraq and the IOC.
During the meeting, the Executive Director presented the IOC’s main areas of activity and the opportunities available to its member countries. As a full member, Iraq will be able to benefit from the IOC’s technical cooperation and training activities, participate in its specialised work and exchange expertise with other member countries with a view to supporting the development of its olive sector. The Ambassador was also informed of the dates of the Organisation’s forthcoming institutional meetings.
Iraq’s accession forms part of a broader expansion of the IOC’s membership in recent years. This growing interest extends beyond the traditional olive-producing countries of the Mediterranean and reflects the increasingly global nature of the olive sector.
As olive oil consumption continues to expand internationally and interest in olive products grows across new markets and regions, the geographical scope of the IOC is also widening. The incorporation of new members strengthens the Organisation as a global forum for cooperation, dialogue and the development of common standards for the olive sector.
The IOC warmly welcomes Iraq as its newest member and looks forward to developing close cooperation with the country in the years ahead.
