ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – The prime ministers of Iraq and the Czechia on Thursday oversaw the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) in Prague, expressing commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in several sectors.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Thursday arrived in Prague for an official visit, received by his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala. The two oversaw the signing of an air transport agreement between the Iraqi and Czech civil aviation authorities, in addition to 5 MoUs in different sectors.

These included an MoU between Iraq’s oil ministry and Czech’s industry and trade ministry, a draft MoU between the two interior ministries, cooperation memoranda between both sides’ Federations of Industries and Chambers of Commerce, and a letter of intent between the two environment ministries in the field of air and water quality protection, according to a statement from Sudani’s office.

“Both leaders lauded the two countries’ long historical record of friendly cooperation and fruitful, multi-dimensional relations,” read a joint statement following the meeting between Sudani and Fiala.

The MoUs entail commitment to continuing military and defense cooperation, enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and investments, boosting bilateral energy relations, and willingness to strengthen operational cooperation on migration issues.

The Iraqi premier also met with Czech President Petr Pavel and Marketa Pekarova Adamova, president of the Chamber of Deputies of Czechia, during his visit to Prague. Sudani and Pavel held a joint presser following their meeting.

“Iraq presented the Development Road project and the importance of Czech companies’ participation in its implementation, particularly in railway construction, road networks, and the industrial cities planned along the corridor,” said Sudani during the press conference, also adding that Czech energy companies have been invited to enter the Iraqi market.

Later in the day, Sudani met with members of the Iraqi diaspora in Czechia, briefing the attendees on the outcomes of his visit and emphasizing Baghdad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Prague.

“He reaffirmed the government’s deep appreciation and pride in Iraqis abroad, emphasizing his commitment to meeting with Iraqi communities in every country he visits to hear their perspectives and proposals that serve Iraq’s interests,” a statement from the prime minister’s office noted.

“He also highlighted the establishment of a strong partnership between the Iraqi and Czech private sectors, pointing to promising opportunities in various fields, particularly in the industrial sector and other areas covered by the memoranda of understanding.”