The Joint Statement of the Republic of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates

Baghdad-INA 

1- The Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, conducted an official visit to the UAE on February 9, 2023, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, the two sides discussed ways to enhance political, diplomatic, trade, and economic cooperation. They exchanged views on several regional and international issues and stressed the importance of joint work to develop various aspects of bilateral relations.

2- The two sides agreed on the importance of holding the tenth session of the joint committee between the two countries because of its impact on strengthening relations and following up on all topics of common interest. It was also agreed to develop the framework regulating bilateral trade between the two countries and raise it to the level of comprehensive partnership to achieve broader economic integration between the two countries, activate economic diplomacy, and advance economic growth rates. The two sides agreed to support existing and future UAE investments in Iraq, create new partnerships and address challenges by turning them into opportunities that benefit the UAE and Iraqi economies, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood and friendship between the leaderships of the two countries and the two brotherly peoples. The two countries will also work to raise the levels of trade exchange and build on the significant growth witnessed in intra-trade over the past years, as bilateral non-oil trade reached about $17.5 billion in 2022.

3- The two sides also agreed to expand and develop bilateral cooperation in healthcare, tourism, culture, and sports due to their importance in strengthening and developing relations between the two countries.

4- The two sides affirmed their keenness to support stability in the region and achieve prosperity for its people by promoting communication, dialogue, and building bridges, which is the best way to achieve regional and international stability, security, and prosperity.

5- The Iraqi Prime Minister commended the leading role played by the United Arab Emirates in confronting climate change, extending his congratulations for the UAE hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) this year. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in environmental efforts and reduce the effects of climate change.

6- The Iraqi side extended its thanks and appreciation to the UAE government for adopting the "Revive the Spirit of Mosul" initiative in partnership with UNESCO to rebuild Al-Nouri Mosque and the two churches of Al-Tahira and Our Lady of the Hour.

7- The Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, for the kind reception and generous hospitality, and extended an invitation to His Highness for an official visit to the Republic of Iraq. For his part, His Highness, President of the United Arab Emirates, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, for accepting the invitation and visiting the United Arab Emirates.