President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, President of Iraq. They discussed their fraternal ties. They explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Iraq. Their goal is to promote shared interests, growth, and prosperity for their people.

In Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness greeted the Iraqi President during his formal visit to the United Arab Emirates. As he welcomed his guest, His Highness referred to the United Arab Emirates as his “second home.”

The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation during the meeting, with a focus on renewable energy and the economic, investment, and development sectors. They also looked into ways to develop these areas of cooperation further.

Many global and regional issues of common interest were covered, with a focus on developments in the Middle East. Both leaders emphasized the importance of diplomatic initiatives supporting the region’s people’s aspirations for security, stability, and development.

They also stressed the need for a clear path towards a comprehensive and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

His Highness of the UAE has consistently supported Iraq’s stability and the ambitions of its people for advancement and prosperity. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the strength of UAE-Iraq relations.

His Highness stated that both nations are committed to finding new ways to work together, especially in the development sector. Additionally, given the current events in the region, His Highness emphasized the UAE’s desire to improve coordination and cooperation with Iraq in order to further shared interests and enhance regional peace and security.

In response, the president of Iraq thanked His Highness for his kind hospitality. He wished the nation more development and prosperity and praised the UAE’s unwavering support for the Iraqi people.

His Excellency President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid emphasized Iraq’s commitment to improving collaboration with the UAE. This cooperation aims to serve their common interests. It also seeks to benefit their peoples and the larger region.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the UAE President’s Advisor; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office and the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs; and Abdulla Matar Al Mazrouei, the UAE Ambassador to Iraq, were among those present.

Historical Context of UAE-Iraq Relations

A number of partnerships and mutual support have characterized the diplomatic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. Along with other Arab nations, the UAE opposed Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1991 and backed the use of force to force Iraq to leave. This position demonstrated the UAE’s dedication to regional peace and sovereignty.

The UAE kept up its relationship with Iraq in the years that followed, concentrating on restoring and fortifying relations. Notably, the UAE became the first Arab country to send an ambassador to Baghdad since 2005 in 2008. This action supported Iraq’s reintegration into the regional community and was a major step toward reestablishing diplomatic relations.

Recent Diplomatic Engagements

President Sheikh Mohamed and Dr. Rashid will meet in February 2025 as part of a series of high-level meetings intended to improve bilateral relations.

Both countries talked about strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, including the economic, investment, educational, cultural, agricultural, and energy sectors, at the 10th session of the UAE-Iraq Joint Committee. 

It was held in Baghdad in September 2023. This meeting underlined the mutual dedication to developing positive alliances that benefit both nations.

Furthermore, at the Iraq-Britain Business Council (IBBC) Autumn Conference in December 2024, the UAE reaffirmed its close bilateral ties with Iraq. 

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, underlined the importance of commerce between the two nations and the UAE’s dedication to assisting Iraq’s economic growth.

Conclusion

A continued commitment to enhancing UAE-Iraq relations is demonstrated by the meeting between President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid. By means of diplomatic contacts, strategic infrastructure initiatives, and economic investments, both countries are well-positioned to strengthen their alliance and promote security and prosperity in the area.

As they look into new areas of collaboration, the UAE and Iraq serve as examples of how teamwork may be used to accomplish mutual objectives and overcome shared difficulties.