AD Ports Group Hosts Iraqi Delegation To Forge Ahead With Strategic Transport And Logistics Projects

AD Ports Group recently hosted a distinguished Iraqi delegation led by Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi, Iraq's Minister of Transport. The delegation, comprising prominent figures from business, investment, and development sectors, engaged in discussions focusing on key projects aimed at enhancing international transport, logistics services, and economic cooperation within the region. The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to pursue common interest initiatives.

The Iraqi delegation was welcomed by several high-ranking UAE officials including 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 Group CEO of AD Ports Group. The discussions took place at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port, highlighting the initiation of partnerships for strategic projects such as the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) International Road Transport System and Iraq’s ‘Development Road Project’.

Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi emphasized the importance of the UAE as one of Iraq’s principal trading partners. He expressed optimism about deepening economic ties through ambitious investment opportunities within the transport and logistics sector. Projects like the ‘Development Road Project’, aiming to connect Asia and Europe via Iraq’s Al-Faw Port, and the TIR system were highlighted as key initiatives expected to streamline regional transport and reduce operational costs.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei expressed satisfaction over hosting the Iraqi delegation, noting the consistent desire to advance relations between the two nations. He remarked on the meeting as a progressive step towards strengthening their regional and global positions through collaborative efforts in transportation and logistics.

Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi underscored the UAE's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Iraq to bolster economic relations in areas of mutual interest. He pointed out the critical importance of exploring joint investment opportunities and systems to increase trade volumes between both countries.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming the importance of sustained dialogue to ensure the expansion of their partnership in a manner that serves the common interests of both countries and their citizens.

In 2021, AD Ports Group entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) aimed at fostering greater cooperation within transportation and maritime domains. This includes feasibility studies on managing and operating GCPI’s ports, economic zones, and other infrastructure while exploring potential investment opportunities.

Iraq remains a key trading partner for the UAE, with bilateral trade volumes reaching AED 104 billion in 2023. This marks an increase of 13.1% compared to 2022, highlighting the growing economic ties between the two nations.

With inputs from WAM