Sudani, UAE president discuss trade and transport ties in Abu Dhabi

BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Wednesday with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations and regional cooperation, according to a statement from Al-Sudani’s media office.

The two leaders focused on strengthening cooperation in key sectors including trade, energy, and transportation. Discussions included collaboration on the Development Road project, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure corridor intended to connect the Gulf with Turkey via Iraq.

Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to building strong ties with the UAE, stating that the country aims to “build the best possible relations with the UAE” in line with his government’s approach of engaging with “both brotherly and friendly nations.”

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Wednesday, in Abu Dhabi with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting discussed bilateral relations and ways to advance them across areas of shared interest.

Talks focused on strengthening cooperation, particularly in the sectors of trade, energy, and transportation. This included enhancing collaboration on the Development Road project within the framework of the quadrilateral agreement and its annexes. The discussions also addressed regional developments and means to support stability, prevent the expansion of conflict, and reduce all causes of escalation.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s commitment to building the best possible relations with the UAE, which is in line with the government’s openness to partnerships with both brotherly and friendly nations.

For his part, the President of the United Arab Emirates expressed appreciation for the Iraqi government’s efforts in development and reconstruction, as well as its role in consolidating regional stability and strengthening regional and international security.