ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Trade between Iraq and South Korea reached about $10.5 billion in 2025, South Korean Ambassador to Iraq Lee Joon-il said Friday, highlighting growing economic ties and major infrastructure projects, including the Grand Faw Port.

In an interview with the state news agency, Lee said Iraq exported $9.1 billion worth of crude oil and petroleum products to South Korea last year. In return, South Korea exported cars, spare parts, consumer electronics, and pharmaceuticals to Iraq.

“The Republic of Korea considers itself an ideal partner for Iraq in various fields, from infrastructure to technology and defense,” Lee said in an interview with Iraqi state media, noting that cooperation between Baghdad and Seoul has steadily grown since diplomatic relations resumed in 2003.

Lee said South Korea respects Iraq’s sovereignty and supports its democratic process. He pointed to Seoul’s technical support during Iraq’s recent elections, including electronic voting machines provided by Korean company MIRU, which he said helped ensure a smooth vote without violence.

On the economic side, the ambassador said Iraq is moving closer to ending the practice of flaring associated gas. He said strong Korean demand for gas could open the door for Iraqi gas exports to South Korea, creating jobs and increasing revenues.

He added that Korean companies helped Iraq achieve self-sufficiency in gasoline production by building the Karbala refinery and contributing to the Basra refinery project.

Lee said one of the most prominent Korean projects in Iraq is the Grand Faw Port, implemented by South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction. The port’s breakwater was listed in Guinness World Records as the longest in the world, measuring 14.523 kilometers.

Other major projects include the seawater supply station in Basra and the Bismayah residential complex near Baghdad. Since 1977, Korean companies have completed about 225 projects in Iraq worth a total of $46 billion, he said.

In the defense sector, Lee said cooperation includes supplying Iraq with T-50 training and light combat aircraft and medium-range M-SAM air defense systems, along with training and maintenance support.

In September 2024, Iraq signed a deal with South Korea to purchase advanced air defense systems as part of efforts to modernize its military capabilities, reflecting growing defense cooperation between Baghdad and Seoul

The agreement includes the Korean CAM-SAM (Cheongung) system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft and incoming missile threats.

Iraqi defense officials described the system as modern and highly capable, saying it would significantly strengthen the country’s air defense network once it enters service.

Lee also said South Korea offers fully funded Global Korea Scholarships to Iraqi students and is working with the Iraqi government on digital transformation projects, sharing its experience in smart government systems and technology development.

Lee described Baghdad as a historic city with welcoming people and said the improved security situation has encouraged Korean companies to continue investing in Iraq. He expressed hope for continued stability and prosperity in the country.