Greek–Iraqi relations are foreign relations between Greece and Iraq. Relations of the Greek and Iraqi peoples are deeply rooted in history, both have developed cultures that have influenced the course of humanity. They date as far back as when early Greek scholars of the 1st millennium BC lived and studied in Babylonia and Assyria, to later when Alexander III of Macedon ruled Mesopotamia (which name is of Greek origin, meaning "the land between two rivers") and would die in Babylon, Iraq. Greece helped invade Iraq during the Gulf War. In the Iraq War, however, Greece refused to send troops to participate in the American destruction of the Iraqi government, with Greeks overwhelmingly opposed to the invasion. Greece traditionally maintained good and friendly relations with Iraq due to strong historical and cultural bonds, dating back to ancient times. Greece has an embassy in Baghdad, and Iraq is represented by her embassy in Athens. Both nations border Turkey. History Modern history Since 1979, when Saddam Hussein came to power Greek-Iraqi political relations have been good but limited due to Iraq's totalitarian regime. Official agreements signed by Greece and Iraq demonstrate the spirit of solidarity and co-operation by which relations of both countries are marked. For instance, in 1979 Constantinos Karamanlis, who was then Prime Minister of Greece, visited Baghdad; during that visit both sides signed a co-operation agreement on technical and economic issues. Moreover, during the Iran–Iraq War there was co-operation in the field of war material. As, in 1985 the Greek company PYRKAL provided Iraq with $77 million worth of munitions and in 1987 the Greek company EBO provided approximately $83 million worth of munitions. After Gulf War I, UN sanctions were imposed on Iraq. Greece supported the oil for food programme as it was interested in the future of the Iraqi people. As a result of its economic embargo Iraq owes high amounts to Greek companies on the basis of their co-operation during the Iran–Iraq War. Despite Iraq's international isolation both countries continued their co-operation. Specifically, in 1998 Greece and Iraq signed a scientific and cultural co-operation agreement which included co-operation between Iraqi and Greek universities regarding degree recognition, the granting of scholarships and the teaching of ancient and Modern Greek in Iraq. In addition, in June 1999 the President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Iraqi Parliament visited Athens, as did the General Director of the Iraqi News