Reports noted that India’s External Affairs Shri Salman Khurshid, arrived in Baghdad on June 19, on a few days official visit to Iraq, during which he is to meet with a number of Iraqi officials to consolidate historic relations between the two countries. This was the first visit of high ranking Indian official in 23 years. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari was at hand welcoming his Indian counterpart, Salman Khurshid. Indian foreign minister is also expected to meet Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and other officials. Iraqi foreign ministry also mentioned that the visit intends to consolidate the historic relations between the two friendly countries. 1

• 1. “India's Foreign Minister arrives in Baghdad,” National Iraqi News Agency, June 19 2013, at http://www.ninanews.com/english/News_Details.asp?ar95_VQ=GIHILM