President Sheikh Mohamed receives call from Iraqi Prime Minister

UAE leader and Mohammed Shia Al Sudani discuss efforts to bolster ties and reflect on challenges in the region

President Sheikh Mohamed, pictured in 2023, held talks with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on Monday. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday discussed efforts to secure peace across the Middle East in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani.

The two leaders underlined the importance of supporting efforts to achieve stability and prosperity in the region, amid humanitarian crises which have engulfed Gaza and Lebanon, and political upheaval in Syria.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Al Sudani reviewed relations between the UAE and Iraq, and opportunities to expand collaboration across all fields, state news agency Wam reported.

Both sides affirmed the strength of UAE-Iraqi ties and expressed their desire to enhance existing partnerships for their mutual benefit.

The UAE and Iraq has sought to bolster their long-standing friendship in recent years, with a strong focus on deepening trade links.

In 2021, UAE clean energy company Masdar signed a deal with Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity and National Investment Commission to build five solar power stations across Iraq.

Also that year, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a preliminary agreement with the General Company for Ports of Iraq to explore potential investment opportunities and strengthen co-operation in the transport and maritime sectors.

The UAE is funding the Revive the Spirit of Mosul project launched by the UN's culture agency Unesco to rebuild the Iraqi city's historic landmarks.

The $50 million project aims to reverse the destruction caused by ISIS at Al Nuri Mosque and its leaning minaret, as well as Al Saa’a monastery and the 800-year-old Al Tahera church.

Sheikh Mohamed previously met Mr Al Sudani for high-level talks in Abu Dhabi in February 2023.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Mr Al Sudani at Qasr Al Watan on that visit and reviewed ways the two countries could further work together in the areas of the economy, trade and investment, and development sectors to advance progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohamed meets Iraqi Prime Minister in 2023 - in pictures