Iraqi delegation engages with UAE’s AD Ports Group to foster GCC-Europe connectivity

Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, spearheaded a delegation comprising notable figures from business, investment, and development sectors to the AD Ports Group in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The delegation convened at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port, marking a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity.

The Iraqi delegation received a cordial welcome from esteemed UAE officials, including Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

Central to the discussions were initiatives aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation for transformative projects such as the Iraqi Development Road Project and the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) International Road Transport System. These projects are poised to bolster connectivity between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Europe through Iraq.

Minister Al-Saadawi highlighted the pivotal role of the UAE as one of Iraq’s primary trade partners. He emphasized the prospects for strengthening economic ties between the two nations through collaborative endeavors.

The symbiotic commercial relationship between Iraq and the UAE is underscored by their substantial trade volumes, which amounted to AED 104 billion in 2023, representing a 13.1% increase from the preceding year.

Echoing sentiments of mutual prosperity, Minister Al Mazrouei emphasized the strategic significance of the meeting in bolstering the regional and global stature of both the UAE and Iraq. He emphasized the exchange of knowledge and best practices to elevate the transportation and logistics sectors.

Minister Al Zeyoudi underscored the critical importance of exploring joint investment opportunities to stimulate economic growth and enhance trade volumes between the two nations. The ongoing collaboration between AD Ports Group and the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) reflects a commitment to fostering increased synergy in the transportation and marine sectors, thereby propelling regional connectivity and economic prosperity.