The participants praised the traditionally good relations between the countries that have been interrupted by the events in Iraq.

Hribar stressed that Iraqi businesses could use Slovenia as a springboard for the EU. Slovenia also has close ties to the Balkans and other countries such as Russia and Ukraine, he noted.

Head of the GZS International Relations Department Aleš Cantarutti highlighted numerous opportunities for cooperation, including in chemistry and pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, logistics, finance, agriculture, furniture industry, metallurgy and research and development.

Hussein meanwhile stressed that the Iraqi delegation expected cooperation in all fields, emphasising in particular trade, industry, construction and tourism.

According to GZS data, Slovenia's exports to Iraq amounted to EUR 3.6m in 2011. Exports included pumps and liquids elevators, washing machines, floor coverings, home appliances, accumulators, medical devices, car tyres and lamps. No imports were registered.