Iraq, Qatar sign joint Declaration of Intent, memorandums of understanding

By Yakoot Dandachi

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq and Qatar signed a Joint Declaration of Intent and a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding in several areas on Thursday, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

“The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,” the agency reported.

The signing process included “a memorandum of understanding in the field of air and land transport and another memorandum to cancel visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports.”

The media office of the prime minister clarified the details of the memorandums of understanding signed with Qatar, according to INA.

In a statement, the office said that “the Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, observed today, Thursday, the signing ceremony of a Declaration of Intent for cooperation and a number of agreements between the two countries."

A joint Declaration of Intent was signed between the governments of Iraq and Qatar “for comprehensive cooperation in the political, economic, energy and investment fields.”

The two sides also signed “two agreements in the fields of air and maritime transport, and a memorandum of understanding regarding the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports.”

A number of memorandums of cooperation in the field of energy were also signed.

The office said the memorandums were related to “crude oil and supplying Iraq with liquefied gas, and a memorandum of cooperation to establish a joint oil company and another related to the establishment of a refinery."

Four more memorandums of cooperation were signed in the field of investment.

According to INA, the Qatari emir confirmed that “his visit to Baghdad reflects the depth of the relationship between the two countries.”

He pointed out that “initiatives to strengthen relations between the countries of the region were discussed, including the electrical interconnection project."

Al-Thani noted that he agreed with al-Sudani on growing trade exchange between Iraq and Qatar.

Al-Sudani reiterated the emphasis on creating a successful economic bloc between countries of the region.

He expressed his country's desire for mutual investments with brotherly Qatar.

Al Thani visited Iraq on Thursday, according to the Iraqi government.

Relations between Iraq and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, of which Qatar is a member, have improved in recent years.

Iraqi-Qatari relations started to improve with GCC countries reopening their embassies and exchanging official visits to boost bilateral ties after the 2003 US-led invasion.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi