Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi visits UAE

Al Kadhimi seeks stronger ties with Gulf to boost trade and economic co-operation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, meets Mustafa Al Kadhimi, Prime Minister of Iraq, in Dubai. Iraqi Prime Minister's Office

Mr Al Kadhimi's visit to the UAE was part of his government's approach to strengthen the country's ties with the Arab region. Iraqi Prime Minister's Office

This was Mr Al Kadhimi's first official trip to the UAE since he assumed office last May. Iraqi Prime Minister's Office

Mr Al Kadhimi was received in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Iraqi Prime Minister's Office

Sheikh Mohamed hosted an official reception ceremony for Mr Al Kadhimi at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

The reception ceremony included a 21-gun salute and honour guard. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

The national anthems of the UAE and Iraq were also played during the ceremony. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

Mr Al Kadhimi's office said the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen co-operation between the two countries. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

Talks centred on the energy, investment, culture, trade and transport sectors. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

They also discussed ways to advance relations that serve the public's interest. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

Sheikh Mohamed said it was "a pleasure to welcome our brother Mustafa Al Kadhimi ... to the UAE." Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

The officials discussed regional and global developments, as well as ways to strengthen their "fraternal relations". Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

Mr Al Kadhimi arrived in the UAE with an official delegation. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

"The UAE remains committed to supporting stability and progress for Iraq and its people," Sheikh Mohamed said. Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office

Mr Al Kadhimi met with Emirati company executives and business leaders. Iraqi Prime Minister's Office

Mr Al Kadhimi visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. WAM

Mr Mustafa Al Kadhimi was accompanied during his visit by the UAE's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei. WAM

Mr Al Kadhimi's visit to the UAE was part of his campaign to boost trade and economic co-operation with regional heavyweights to revive the Iraqi economy. WAM

Iraq's Prime Minister, Mustafa Al Kadhimi, on Sunday said his visit to the UAE was part of his government's approach to strengthen the country's ties with the Arab region.

Mr Al Kadhimi was received in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

"As part of my government's approach to enhance Iraq’s regional and international relations, I am today in the UAE with an official delegation," he said on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohamed hosted an official reception ceremony for Mr Al Kadhimi at Qasr Al Watan, which included a 21-gun salute, honour guard and the national anthems of the UAE and Iraq.

This was his first official trip to the UAE since he assumed office last May.

Sheikh Mohamed said it was "a pleasure to welcome our brother Mustafa Al Kadhimi ... to the UAE."

"The UAE remains committed to supporting stability and progress for Iraq and its people," he said.

The officials discussed regional and global developments, as well as ways to strengthen their "fraternal relations".

Mr Al Kadhimi's office said the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen co-operation in the energy, investment, culture, trade and transport sectors.

"They also discussed ways to advance relations between Iraq and the UAE that serves the public's interest," it said.

Later in the day, the Iraqi officials met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at Zabeel Palace in Dubai.

"Today I received my brother Mustafa Al Kadhimi. We discussed and talked about building stronger relations between the two countries," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"Iraq is a country that is not like other countries. It is the dawn of human civilisation. In the beginning was Iraq, then civilisation. And it will return, God willing."

The leaders discussed ways of enhancing fraternal relations between Iraq and the UAE.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Media Office said.

Before the delegation's arrival to the UAE, Iraq Airways said it planned to start direct flights to Abu Dhabi from May 1.

Mr Al Kadhimi is leading a campaign to boost trade and economic co-operation with regional heavyweights to revive the Iraqi economy.

During a visit to Saudi Arabia last week, the two nations announced a $3 billion joint investment fund to boost the private sector.

Baghdad needs the support of Gulf states to revive its economy, which has been battered by years of conflict and war.

Mr Al Kadhimi is leading his country to early parliamentary elections in October, one of the demands of a youth-led protest movement that began in late 2019.

The demonstrations were sparked by high unemployment and a lack of public services, with protesters also calling for an end to corruption and foreign influence over Iraqi affairs.

Iraq is the second biggest oil producer in Opec after Saudi Arabia, but relies heavily on Iranian gas imports needed for electricity amid frequent power cuts.

Iraq and the Gulf have connected power lines as Baghdad seeks other sources of power.

The UAE-based energy firm Crescent Petroleum has invested more than $3bn in Iraq and has a 20-year gas sales deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq.

In 2008, the UAE cancelled almost $7bn of debt, including interest and arrears payments, owed by Baghdad, becoming the first Gulf Arab country to forgive all of Iraq’s debt.