UN Secretary-General António Guterres received credentials from Iraq’s new permanent ambassador, Luqman Abdul Rahim Faili, marking the first time a Kurdish diplomat has been appointed to represent Iraq at the United Nations.
Historic Appointment and Diplomatic Milestone
The appointment of Luqman Abdul Rahim Faili represents a significant milestone in both Iraqi diplomatic history and Kurdish representation on the international stage. As the first Kurdish diplomat to serve as Iraq’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Faili’s appointment demonstrates Iraq’s commitment to inclusive representation within its diplomatic corps. This historic moment reflects the evolving nature of Iraqi politics and the recognition of Kurdish contributions to the country’s international relations.
The formal presentation of credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres at United Nations headquarters officially inaugurated Faili’s tenure as Iraq’s permanent representative. This ceremonial process marks the beginning of his responsibilities as Iraq’s primary diplomatic voice within the world’s most important international organization. The timing of this appointment coincides with Iraq’s assumption of the presidency of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, highlighting the country’s active engagement in global diplomatic affairs.
Faili’s selection for this prestigious position underscores the Iraqi government’s recognition of the importance of diverse representation in its international diplomatic efforts. His Kurdish background brings a unique perspective to Iraq’s diplomatic engagement, potentially enhancing the country’s ability to address complex regional and international issues with nuanced understanding of minority rights and regional dynamics.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Iraq’s international relations, as the country continues to navigate complex regional challenges while strengthening its position within the global community. Faili’s extensive diplomatic experience and cultural background position him well to advance Iraq’s interests while contributing to broader discussions on Middle Eastern affairs and international cooperation.
Distinguished Diplomatic Career and Professional Background
Luqman Abdul Rahim Faili brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role, having served in various high-level positions within Iraq’s foreign ministry and diplomatic missions worldwide. Born in 1966, Faili holds British citizenship alongside his Iraqi nationality, reflecting the international nature of his background and experience. His multilingual capabilities and cross-cultural understanding enhance his effectiveness in international diplomatic settings.
His most recent position before the UN appointment was serving as Director of the North and South America Office in 2019, demonstrating his expertise in transatlantic relations and Americas affairs. This experience proves particularly valuable given the United States’ significant role within the United Nations system and the importance of US-Iraq bilateral relations.
Between 2018 and 2019, Faili served as the official spokesperson for the Iraqi President, a role that required exceptional communication skills and deep understanding of Iraqi domestic and foreign policy positions. This experience in high-level government communication prepared him well for the public-facing aspects of UN representation, where clear articulation of national positions is essential.
His ambassadorial experience spans multiple continents and key diplomatic relationships. From 2013 to 2016, he served as Iraq’s Ambassador to the United States, managing one of Iraq’s most crucial bilateral relationships during a period of significant regional challenges. Prior to that appointment, from 2010 to 2013, he represented Iraq as Ambassador to Japan, demonstrating his versatility in managing diverse diplomatic relationships across different cultural and political contexts.
This combination of regional expertise, multilateral experience, and senior-level government service provides Faili with the comprehensive background necessary for effective representation of Iraq’s interests within the complex UN system, while his Kurdish identity adds an important dimension to Iraq’s diplomatic representation.
