AD Ports Group, a major global facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, received a distinguished Iraqi delegation led by Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, Iraq’s Minister of Transport, alongside prominent figures and leaders from various sectors including business, investment, and development.
The discussions focussed on several crucial projects essential for international transport, logistics services, regional economic cooperation, and mutual interest initiatives.
"The UAE is one of Iraq’s principal trading partners, and through this meeting, we look forward to deepening the economic ties between the two countries. The Iraqi government has always sought to create ambitious investment opportunities within the transport and logistics sector, to revitalise the economy in Iraq and the broader region. This includes projects such as the ‘Development Road Project’, a key link for linking Asia and Europe utilising Iraq’s Al-Faw Port, and the TIR system, expected to streamline regional transport and reduce costs," stated Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, Iraq’s Minister of Transport.
The Iraqi delegation was welcomed by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of AD Ports Group, among other officials.
Held at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port, the meeting delved into the establishment of partnerships for strategic endeavours, including the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) International Road Transport System and Iraq’s ‘Development Road Project’. This ambitious project aims to link the GCC Countries and Europe through Iraq, facilitating seamless connectivity and fostering economic growth.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, commented, "We are pleased to host His Excellency Mr. Razzaq Al-Saadawi and the esteemed Iraqi delegation in the UAE. Meetings with our Iraqi counterparts have consistently resulted in a strong desire to advance relations between the two nations. Our meeting today at Khalifa Port represents a progressive step towards strengthening the regional and global position of both the UAE and Iraq. We see this collaboration elevating the transportation and logistics sectors to unparalleled levels of competitiveness and appeal through the exchange of knowledge, capabilities, and best practices, aimed at achieving mutual progress and prosperity for all."
Furthermore, the meeting concluded with both parties emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue among relevant authorities and sectors to enhance their partnership in a manner that benefits the common interests of both countries and their citizens.
In 2021, AD Ports Group and the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the transportation and maritime sectors. This includes conducting feasibility studies on managing and operating GCPI’s ports, economic zones, and other infrastructure, as well as exploring potential investment opportunities.
It is important to note that Iraq stands as a significant trading partner for the UAE, with bilateral trade volumes reaching US$28 billion in 2023, marking a 13.1% increase from 2022.
