Baghdad: Minister of Communications Mustafa Sanad confirmed on Friday that the addendum to the maritime landing contract with Qatar’s Ooredoo will be signed in Doha next month.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Sanad expressed appreciation for the parliamentary support and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to engaging with the Council of Representatives. He highlighted the Council’s role in supporting and evaluating ministerial work and monitoring any shortcomings. Sanad reiterated the importance of clarifying facts and correcting misconceptions before the legislative body.

Sanad addressed statements made by MP Hayam Al-Yasiri regarding the transit contract signed with Ooredoo. He clarified that this contract is an addendum to a previous agreement concerning the landing of submarine cables. The commencement of the submarine landing contract, which involves laying a cable within Iraqi territory, is pending due to unresolved negotiations over Iraq’s profit share. Ooredoo offered a 28% share, while the Ministry is insisting on 30%. Sanad expressed hope that the contract will be signed in November in Doha, acknowledging the contributions of all involved in the process.

Sanad further explained that the contract signed recently is a new and independent agreement, separate from the previous one. It involves routing internet traffic through Iraq’s existing cable, “Land of Civilizations,” which will be prepared to handle Qatari bandwidth in three months. This agreement resulted from intensive negotiations by the Ministry over two months, securing Iraq’s position against strong regional competition.

Sanad concluded by affirming the Ministry’s openness to working with Representative Al-Yasiri and other Parliament members. Official explanatory letters will be issued regarding this and other matters, with a preference for official communication channels over social media.