Iraqi Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Remembers Megawati's Rejection of US Aggression in 2003

Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesia’s fifth president and PDIP general chair Megawati Soekarnoputri discussed the latest situation in the Middle East and efforts to strengthen Indonesia-Iraq relations with Ammar Hameed Saadallah Al-Khalidy, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Iraqi Embassy to Indonesia.

This was the topic of discussion when Megawati received Al-Khalidy at her residence in Menteng, Jakarta, on Monday, 27 April 2026.

During the meeting, Megawati was accompanied by PDIP DPP Secretary General Hasto Kristiyanto, PDIP DPP Chairman Eriko Sotarduga, Rokhmin Dahuri, and PDIP politician M. Guntur Romli.

Opening the conversation, the Iraqi Embassy Chargé d’Affaires recounted the historic visit of President Soekarno to Baghdad, Iraq, in 1961, which was warmly welcomed by Iraq’s Prime Minister at the time, Major General Abdel Karim Qassim.

“We still have the documentary film of that historic visit,” said Al-Khalidy.

The visit at that time was to strengthen diplomatic relations, affirm Indonesia’s position in supporting Palestinian independence, and consolidate the solidarity of independent Third World leaders.

Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Iraq were officially established in 1950. Iraq was one of the countries that quickly recognised Indonesia’s independence, with de jure recognition in 1947, and the Indonesian Embassy in Baghdad was subsequently opened on 27 March 1950 to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“Indonesia-Iraq relations have now entered their 76th year; we continue to hope they remain strong and warm. We also know of Mrs Megawati’s stance as president in rejecting the attack on Iraq in 2003,” said Al-Khalidy.

Regarding the current conflict in the Middle East, Al-Khalidy conveyed the official position of the Iraqi government condemning the attacks by the United States (US) and Israel against Iran.

“Our government officially condemns the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, but also condemns Iran’s retaliatory attacks on its neighbouring countries. We reject this war; we uphold mechanisms of dialogue, negotiation, and peace,” emphasised Al-Khalidy.

Megawati Soekarnoputri also assessed that the US and Israeli attacks on Iran constitute a violation of the sovereignty of an independent state. In addition to contravening the UN Charter and international law, they also violate the Bandung Ten Principles. On this occasion, Megawati also recounted her stance in rejecting the US attack on Iraq in 2003.