Baghdad: The Ministry of Transport discussed with a delegation from the Sultanate of Oman joint cooperation in the field of land transport and the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding to enhance logistical integration and activate the TIR Agreement.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the General Company for Land Transport received a high-level delegation from the Sultanate of Oman to discuss the draft memorandum of understanding to be signed between the two sides. This memorandum aims to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of land transport and logistics services, serving the economic interests of both countries.

The Iraqi side was represented at the meeting by the Director General of the General Company for Land Transport, Murtadha Karim Al-Shahmani, and the Director General of the Technical Department, Karim Al-Jabri, along with the Iraqi local guarantor team. The Omani side was represented by the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Iraq, Sheikh Mahmoud bin Muhanna Al-Kharousi,
and a number of officials and specialists in the land transport and logistics sector. Al-Shahmani reviewed the key points of the Memorandum of Understanding, aiming for economic integration and the smooth flow of goods by activating the TIR Convention. This activation is expected to simplify customs transit procedures, reduce transit time, and improve logistics services efficiency, along with exchanging technical and administrative expertise and information between the two nations.

Al-Shahmani also highlighted Iraq’s successful experience in joining the TIR Convention, noting that over 1,700 journeys have crossed Iraqi territory, significantly reducing transit time from weeks to days. The successful operation of the Ro-Ro vessel was noted, receiving praise from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) for its positive impact on supporting regional supply chains.

The meeting discussed cooperation in developing land crossings and customs ports, facilitating truck passage, and forming joint committees to m
onitor and ensure the implementation of the memorandum’s provisions. Organizing joint workshops for Iraqi and Omani traders to support goods movement and land transport between the two countries was also addressed. The discussions emphasized Iraq’s leading role and pivotal position in the region, highlighting the fraternal relations and shared interests between the two countries. Developing bilateral partnerships in line with regional and international economic changes was stressed.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Omani delegation toured the operations room dedicated to tracking truck movements. Both sides exchanged commemorative shields, with the delegation expressing gratitude to the General Company for Land Transport’s senior management for their warm welcome and hospitality.