(CNN) The European Union's ambassador to Iraq had to cancel several meetings with Iraqi officials this week after becoming sick when he drank tainted water while visiting the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

The EU official, Ramon Blecua, confirmed on Twitter he had fallen ill as a result of drinking polluted water in Basra, one of Iraq's largest cities.

"UNICEF doctor diagnosed the cause as water pollution," Blecua tweeted Thursday.

"I did not (intend) to take my solidarity with the people of Basra that far, but certainly now share how you feel."

Thanks to all that have checked on my health . I did fell sick this morning and had to cancel several meetings. UNICEF doctor diagnosed the cause as water pollution. I did not intended to take my solidarity with the people of Basra that far, but certainly now share how you feel. pic.twitter.com/sVISaLzbGB — Ramon Blecua (@EUAmbIraq) October 4, 2018

Blecua said he was in Basra with an EU delegation to work with the city on new projects "to improve governance, delivery of services and job creation."