Iraqi President Dr. Latif Rashid and First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad met with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain in Seville during the Fourth International Conference on Development Finance.
High-Level Diplomatic Reception in Seville
During the welcoming ceremony for delegations participating in the Fourth International Conference on Development Finance, Iraqi President Dr. Latif Jamal Rashid and First Lady Mrs. Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad were received by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain in Seville on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The meeting took place within the framework of an official reception hosted by the Spanish monarch to honor heads of state, government leaders, and delegations attending the prestigious international conference. The Spanish royal couple personally welcomed the Iraqi delegation upon their arrival at the reception venue, demonstrating the importance Spain places on its relationship with Iraq.
The Iraqi President and First Lady expressed their sincere gratitude to Their Majesties for the invitation to participate in the Fourth International Conference on Development Finance. They conveyed their appreciation for Spain’s hospitality and wished success for the conference proceedings, emphasizing the significance of such international gatherings in addressing global development challenges.
The welcoming ceremony provided an important platform for diplomatic engagement between Iraq and Spain, setting a positive tone for broader discussions during the conference. The personal attention given by the Spanish royal family to the Iraqi delegation underscored the mutual respect and growing cooperation between the two nations.
The reception in Seville marked a significant diplomatic moment, bringing together world leaders to discuss critical issues of international development financing. The presence of the Iraqi President and First Lady at this high-level gathering reflects Iraq’s commitment to engaging with the international community on matters of global development and economic cooperation.
Bilateral Relations and Regional Issues Discussion
President Rashid and the First Lady praised Spain’s principled stance in supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people, commending the country’s efforts to end the ongoing conflict and achieve the right to self-determination. This acknowledgment highlighted Spain’s recent diplomatic initiatives regarding Palestinian statehood and its commitment to international law.
The Iraqi President emphasized his keen interest in advancing bilateral relations between Iraq and Spain, expressing his dedication to enhancing cooperation in ways that serve the mutual interests of both friendly nations. He stressed the importance of building stronger ties across multiple sectors, including economic, cultural, and diplomatic spheres.
During the discussions, President Rashid articulated his hope that the conference would produce concrete recommendations that serve the aspirations of peoples worldwide in achieving security, stability, progress, and prosperity. He emphasized that international cooperation through such forums is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing developing nations.
The conversation touched upon various regional and international issues of mutual concern, with both sides expressing commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation. The Spanish leadership’s reception of the Iraqi delegation demonstrated the potential for enhanced partnership between the two countries in addressing shared challenges.
The meeting represented an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties while addressing broader themes of international development finance. President Rashid’s participation in the conference reflects Iraq’s desire to play an active role in international forums dedicated to sustainable development and economic progress.
The discussions in Seville contribute to Iraq’s broader diplomatic strategy of engaging constructively with European partners while addressing regional challenges. The warm reception by Spanish royalty signifies the positive trajectory of Iraq-Spain relations and the potential for expanded cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.
