Iraq-Australia Ambassadors Joint Event
Published: 10/08/2009 by
Iraq Today
Monday 10th August at 5:30pm
The focus of Mr Tyson's presentation will be the transformation that Iraq has undergone over the past year. Issues now being discussed are fundamentally different from those of 2007 and 2008. Iraq is now a fully sovereign country, and a functioning democracy. Although major political and economic challenges remain, the improved security environment gives cause for optimism that these can be addressed. Mr Tyson will also discuss the focus of Australia's bilateral relationship with Iraq since the withdrawal of Australian combat forces in 2008. The new focus has shifted from military operations to capacity-building, trade and investment. He will discuss the opportunities for Australian companies, particularly in agriculture, construction and the resources sector.
Mr Tyson currently holds the post of Australian Ambassador to Iraq and was most recently Australia’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Prior to this, he served as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Educated at the Australian National University, Mr Tyson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in History and Political Science.
Mr Al-Shibili will present on the changes in Iraq since 2003, and especially since the 2005 elections, including the dynamics of this new modern democratic state, its general capacity and economic development, and its new trade and investment laws. He will also discuss Iraq/Australian bilateral relations, and the value of Australia's contribution to capacity development.
Mr Al-Shibili currently holds the post of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Canberra. His previous diplomatic experience includes Ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baghdad and Iraqi Embassy - Washington, D.C. In 2003 he held the post of Deputy Secretary General of the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC). Mr Al-Shilbili completed his Masters of Public Administration at the East Carolina University.
