The United Arab Emirates and Iraq have a very special and growing fraternal relationship. In recent times, they have witnessed numerous developments, including exchange of visits, memorandums of understanding, and cooperation agreements, all supporting stability and prosperity.

The UAE always seeks to support Iraq in reclaiming its glory by rejoining its Arab and Islamic embrace. The two countries share strong bonds of fraternity, history, shared destiny, and Arab identity. Their relationship serves as a model for bilateral relations among brethren, as Iraq was among the first countries to support the independence of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

Further Progress

In this context, Iraqi Deputy A’id Al-Hilali states, “Arab-Iraqi relations have made further progress in recent times, thanks to the policies pursued by the current Iraqi government to bridge the gap between Iraq and its regional environment, particularly Jordan and Egypt on one hand, and the Gulf countries on the other.” This convergence has led to the signing of numerous political, security, and economic agreements.

He adds : “Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have agreed on a range of measures aimed at developing economic relations and increasing the level of trade between the two countries. This was mentioned in a joint statement between the Republic of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, published by the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani during the recent period.”

Al-Hilali continues: “The Iraqi Prime Minister paid an official visit to the UAE on Thursday, February 9th, for two days. During his visit, Al-Sudani met with UAE officials and discussed numerous issues. They reached an agreement to develop the regulatory framework for bilateral trade between the two countries and elevate it to a comprehensive partnership level. They also agreed to support existing and future Emirati investments in Iraq, open new partnership prospects, and enhance the levels of trade exchange between the two countries.”

Benefiting from the Emirati experience in addressing climate change

Furthermore, Al-Hilali said, “There is also a benefit from the Emirati experience in addressing climate change. Given the significant decrease in water releases from the Turkish side, which has greatly affected the agricultural areas and caused desertification in Iraq, posing a threat to Iraqi food security, the Emirati experience is worth considering and is taken into account by the government of Mr. Al-Sudani.”

He confirmed, “It should not be overlooked that the UAE adopted the ‘Revive Mosul’ initiative in partnership with UNESCO to rebuild Al-Nuri Mosque, Al-Tahira Church, and the Clock Tower.”

Al-Hilali added, “Both sides are working to enhance political, diplomatic, trade, and economic cooperation and exchange views on various regional and international issues. They emphasized the importance of joint efforts to develop all aspects of bilateral relations.”

The holding of Tenth Joint Committee Meeting between the two countries

Al-Hilali pointed out that Iraq and the UAE have agreed on the importance of holding the Tenth Joint Committee Meeting between the two countries, as it has a significant impact on enhancing relations and monitoring all bilateral issues in areas of mutual interest.

They have also agreed to develop the regulatory framework for bilateral trade and elevate it to a comprehensive partnership level to achieve broader economic integration between the two states and activate economic diplomacy, promoting overall economic growth. The trade volume between the two countries has witnessed a noticeable increase, reaching over $17 billion in 2022.

He emphasized that Iraq seeks to expand and enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of health, tourism, culture, and sports, as they are essential in promoting and developing relations between the two countries. Both countries can play a significant role in supporting stability in the region and achieving prosperity for their people by enhancing communication, dialogue, and building bridges, which is the optimal path to regional and international stability, security, and prosperity.

Iraq desires the UAE’s active participation in investment sectors, particularly in energy and infrastructure. Additionally, Iraq has recently initiated the development pathway, utilizing all the allocated resources. Iraq also anticipates the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of the UAE, as he has been invited, and this visit holds great importance in enhancing the joint cooperation between the two countries.