Romania wants in on Iraq’s Development Road project:Romania’s Transport Ministry plans to contribute to Iraq’s on Road Development project, according to a statement released following a meeting between Iraqi Railways General Manager Younis Khaled Gawad and Romanian Ambassador to Iraq Rado Dubri. The two sides discussed strengthening relations, especially in the transport sector. Iraq’s Development Road project aims to create a Europea-Asia trade corridor and reduce the cost of transporting goods. The nature of Romania’s involvement in the project has not been revealed.
ALSO- Iraq is courting Spanish companies: Iraq’s Transport Minister Razzaq Al-Saadawi met with Spanish Ambassador to Iraq Pedro Martinez to discuss Iraq’s efforts to develop its transport sector, according to a statement. The Iraqi minister expressed his country’s desire to cooperate with Spanish companies in rail, high-speed train manufacturing, and maritime services. Al-Saadawi briefed Martinez on Iraq’s plans for developing rail, land and air transport and the pair discussed ways for Iraq’s carrier Fly Baghdad to resume operations in Europe.
REMEMBER-In December, the EU’s Aviation Safety Agency banned Fly Baghdad from operating in EU airspace over its failure to “meet international safety standards,” a statement said, without providing further details.
Iran + Uzbekistan sign key agreements: Iran and Uzbekistan inked a preferential trade agreement (FTA) during a visit to Uzbekistan by Iranian Trade Minister Abbas Aliabadi, IRNA reports, citing deputy director of International Business Promotion of Iran Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Mohammad-Sadegh Ghanadzadeh. Both countries’ central banks agreed to launch a banking exchange mechanism and facilitate technical talks between commercial banks. The two parties also signed agreements for Iran to refurbish gas turbines as well as build a regional service center for the maintenance of oil, refinery, and power plant equipment in Uzbekistan.