Switzerland has announced it has reopened its embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on September 3 after closing it more than 33 years ago, local 364 Media reported.

The Swiss government decided to close the embassy due to the 1991 Persian Gulf War, along with several other countries and had not reopened its mission in part due to the country’s security situation in recent years, including the US invasion and occupation of and the rise of the so-called Islamic State (IS).

"By reopening the embassy, the federal council aims to strengthen bilateral relations with the populous country and deepen cooperation in economic, security and migration matters," the statement read.

The embassy reopening also comes as Iraq's Ministry of Health announced on September 3 the renewal of its strategic partnership with Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, aiming to enhance healthcare services and accelerate digital transformation in the country's health sector.

Health Minister Saleh al-Hasnawi expressed his satisfaction with the continued partnership.

"This collaboration reflects the ministry's commitment to developing Iraq's health sector and leveraging global expertise to provide health services that align with the highest international standards," he said.

The renewed partnership focuses on enhancing digital transformation in Iraq's health sector through the development of national digital tools and solutions.

It also aims to improve health decision-making processes and provide data-driven, value-based healthcare.

The news of the reopening came months after an interview with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Switzerland with SWI in June, who noted that the embassy would reopen its doors in the coming months.

"The visit of the Swiss Foreign Minister to Baghdad helped convince the Swiss side to reopen a Swiss embassy in the Iraqi capital. We are pleased with this important step and look forward to its official opening and the development of our bilateral relations," Fuad said at the time.

In a sign of increasing cultural cooperation, the Swiss government handed back three historical artefacts back to the minister as part of an ongoing campaign by the central Iraqi government to reclaim stolen items following the US invasion in 2003.

Several Swiss NGOs are currently active in Iraq, along with a growing commercial presence.