The Council Meeting was followed by an evening reception at the House of Lords with over one hundred and fifty guests, including politicians, civil servants, academics, and business representatives. Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, Executive Chairman of IBBC, had the pleasure of welcoming Rt. Hon. the Lord Mandelson who assured his support of the work of the IBBC. Kenneth Clarke QC MP, the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, who kindly agreed to say a few words on this occasion, spoke of a shift in government policy towards increased business investment into Iraq. Both guaranteed full governmental support to IBBC under the current and the new government.

The Reception was well-attended by representatives from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, and the Embassy of the United States of America. IBBC was delighted to receive the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait and Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom.

IBBC is looking forward to host another Reception later in the year.