In a significant step towards enhancing international maritime cooperation, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, made an official visit to the Iraqi ports in Basra. This visit is the first of its kind by an IMO official to Iraq. He was welcomed by the Iraqi Minister of Transport, Professor Razak Mohibis Al-Saadawi, the Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr. Mohammad Jafar Al-Sadr, and the Director General of Ports, Dr. Engineer Farhan Al-Fartousi.

The visit aimed to support maritime infrastructure development projects and strengthen cooperation between Iraq and the IMO in maritime trade. During the visit, the Secretary-General reviewed the progress of port development projects, including the Al-Faw Grand Port, which is considered a strategic project in the region, as well as Um Qasr Port and the Grand Welcome Yard. He also discussed future cooperation to enhance the capabilities of Iraqi ports to handle international trade movements.

Dr. Engineer Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of Ports, stated that “the Iraqi ports welcomed the historic visit of the IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez. This visit is the first of its kind by an IMO official to Iraq since its establishment in 1958.” He emphasized the “great necessity of developing the infrastructure of Iraqi ports to enhance maritime trade and international transport movement, highlighting the importance of continuous cooperation between Iraqi ports and the IMO to develop logistics systems and ensure compliance with international standards.”

He added that “this visit is a significant step in developing Iraq’s relations with international maritime organizations, opening new horizons to enhance Iraq’s position as a maritime trade center in the region.”