Czech Ambassador and Consul General visit Baghdede and Bashiqa, Iraq, to discuss reconstruction and humanitarian projects

BAGHDEDE and BASHIQA, Iraq — Czech Ambassador to Iraq Petr Štěpánek and Consul General Karl Kortanek, along with an accompanying delegation, embarked on a visit to Baghdede, Bashiqa, and the Monastery of St. Matthew the Hermit in Nineveh Plains, Iraq.

Upon their arrival, they were warmly received by Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Mor Timotheous Musa al-Shamani of St. Matthew Archdiocese and Archbishop of Baghdad Mor Sewerius Hawa, as well as the community of monks and nuns.

During their meetings, the delegations engaged in discussions encompassing various topics, including regional security, stability, and service initiatives. They also focused on the critical matter of reconstruction efforts and infrastructure development.

In a special ceremony, the Czech delegation attended the inauguration of an exhibition featuring paintings and handicrafts by the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The delegation also took the opportunity to inspect several development and humanitarian projects undertaken by the Czech organization, Caritas.

Continuing their itinerary, the Czech delegation met with the Syrian Catholic Archbishop of the Diocese of Mosul and its Environs Mor Younan Hinno in Baghdede. Additionally, they held discussions with the Mayor of Baghdede Essam Behnam Matti to assess the progress of reconstruction efforts and various state-sponsored projects in Nineveh Plains.