Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s official visit to Iraq falls within the framework of historical relations between the two countries. The visit is expected to contribute to enhancing the level of coordination between the two countries and opening new horizons of economic, commercial and investment cooperation.
Iraqi media outlets gave extensive coverage to official visit of H H the Amir. They said that the visit serves as a strong push for expanding Qatari-Iraqi relations and that the two countries are keen on enhancing cooperation in economy, trade, investment, energy and transportation sectors, among others.
Iraqi TV and a number of satellite channels hosted officials, and political and strategic analysts to talk about the significance and outcome of the visit of H H the Amir. Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Dr. Ahmed Al Sahhaf said that the visit of H H Amir aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and implementing Iraq’s priority projects.
Iraqi government spokesperson Dr. Bassim Al Awadi said that the visit of H H the Amir to Baghdad constituted a positive step towards advancing Qatari-Iraqi relations. Iraqi Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Khalid Al Yaqoobi stressed his country’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Qatar as it enjoys an international status and broad regional influence. Iraqi political analyst Wael Al Rikabi described the visit as historic, adding that it serves as a significant support for Iraq’s strategic vision, especially given Qatar’s investment potential and its ability to lead projects towards success.
H H the Amir’s visit to Baghdad saw the signing of several agreements and MoUs covering a range of sectors. The agreements covered aspects such as air transport services, maritime transport and a memorandum of understanding on cancelling travel visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, among others.
Estithmar Holding signed three MoUs worth $7bn with the National Investment Commission in Iraq to develop new cities, five stars hotels and manage and operate several hospitals in Iraq.
One of the MoUs outlines the development of two new modern cities. These cities will be built with the highest international standards and aim to support sustainable economic development and encourage investment. Another MoU aims at development of five stars hotels and resorts to support the Iraqi economy and encourage domestic and international tourism.
The third MoU was signed by Elegancia Healthcare, a subsidiary to Estithmar Holding, to manage and operate several hospitals in Iraq.
