In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Greece has announced the launch of direct flights from Athens to Baghdad, marking a new chapter in the economic and cultural ties between the two nations. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis revealed on Thursday during his visit to Iraq that Aegean Airlines will commence its inaugural flight on December 16. This development is particularly noteworthy as no other European airline currently operates direct flights to the Iraqi capital. Gerapetritis emphasized the potential of this initiative to significantly bolster economic and cultural connections between the peoples of Greece and Iraq. While Aegean Airlines and a few other carriers already service Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, Baghdad has largely been avoided due to historical security concerns. The security situation in Iraq has improved since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 and the subsequent defeat of the Islamic State group, which once controlled vast territories in Iraq and Syria. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein welcomed the new flight route, highlighting ongoing discussions between the two countries on cooperation in agriculture, investment, and tourism. He noted that recent visits by European leaders to Iraq reflect the country’s growing stability and its enhanced international standing.