Qatar emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad holds Baghdad talks with Iraq PM

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, arrived in Baghdad on Thursday for talks with Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohamed Shia al-Sudani, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and attracting foreign investment for Iraq’s reconstruction efforts.

Images aired on Iraqi media showed the warm reception as Prime Minister al-Sudani welcomed Sheikh Tamim at the airport. The visit comes after years of strained relations between the two countries during Saddam Hussein’s regime but has seen improvements over the past decade.

With Iraq possessing vast reserves of oil and gas, it may come as a surprise that a significant portion of its population still lives in poverty. In an effort to address this issue and rebuild infrastructure devastated by years of conflict, the Iraqi government is actively seeking partnerships with regional allies.

During the visit, Iraq and Qatar signed several agreements related to oil and gas supply, the establishment of a joint oil company, and the construction of a refinery. Additionally, Iraq’s National Investment Authority inked deals with Qatari firms operating in the property and construction sectors, further bolstering economic ties.

QatarEnergy has already committed to a 25 percent stake in the Gas Growth Integrated Project, a $10 billion initiative aimed at efficiently utilizing Iraq’s gas resources and revitalizing the country’s dilapidated electricity grid. This collaboration came about through an invitation from French energy company TotalEnergies, which holds a 45 percent stake in the project, while Iraq’s Basra Oil Company retains 30 percent.

In late May, Qatar participated in a conference in Baghdad alongside other regional counterparts. During the event, Iraq unveiled an ambitious plan to transform itself into a key transport hub by developing its road and rail infrastructure, connecting Europe with the Middle East. Known as the “Route of Development,” this $17 billion project envisions a 1,200-kilometer (745-mile) corridor spanning from Iraq’s northern border with Turkey to the southern Gulf region.

Qatar’s visit and the signing of these agreements mark a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between Qatar and Iraq. By leveraging Qatar’s expertise and investment, Iraq aims to improve its infrastructure, boost economic growth, and create better living conditions for its citizens.