Al-Sudani, IMO chief talk port infrastructure and global trade

BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Tuesday with International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss Iraq’s maritime development and cooperation with the global body.

Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the IMO, enhancing port infrastructure, and advancing key projects, including Al-Faw Grand Port and the Development Road.

Statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Tuesday, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez.

During the meeting, they reviewed areas of joint cooperation with the international organization, as well as the support it has provided in training, regulation, and the deposit of relevant agreements and protocols ratified by Iraq with the organization.

The Prime Minister affirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening its relations with the IMO, advancing its infrastructure development in the port sector, and proceeding with the completion of Al-Faw Grand Port and the Development Road project.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s anticipation of the upcoming audit for IMO member states, scheduled for November this year, which will facilitate the registration of the Iraqi flag on its vessels engaged in international trade.

For his part, the IMO Secretary-General commended Iraq’s progress in economic diversification, leveraging its strategic geographical location, and expanding its maritime infrastructure. He also expressed the organization’s readiness to provide technical support, offer scholarships through its affiliated academic institutions, and invite Iraqi maritime experts to participate in technical meetings held at the IMO headquarters.