The Role of Diplomatic delegations in the History of Bilateral relations between Iraq and Iran

Gorris, Elynn [UCL]

Middle Eastern bilateral relations, and more particularly the role of Iran in current international developments, is a highly relevant topic for the geopolitical stability in the region. Nowadays Iranian diplomats pursue the art of political dialoguing to an unprecedented level in order to avoid an open conflict or further isolation. However, the ethnic and cultural identity of Iran within the larger Semitic Middle East is not only a major ground of for conflict today, but finds its roots in antiquity. The author will therefore give an introductory lecture on the historical role of ethnic minorities along the Iraq-Iran border region in the bilateral relations betweens these countries. This paper will be followed by a lecture of H.E. F. Delhaye,Belgian ambassador to Iran, who will be commenting on Iran's current political issues in the Iraqi border region.