Czech-Iraqi relations have a long tradition, we established mutual diplomatic relations with the then Kingdom of Iraq as early as 1933. Iraq is one of our main partners in the Middle East. Prime Minister Fiala praised the recent achievements of the Iraqi government on the way to establishing lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity, including Iraq's continued key role in the fight against terrorism in the region.

Czech exports to Iraq are growing rapidly, reaching CZK 5.7 billion last year. "We are strengthening business relations with Iraq, our companies are very interested in participating in the reconstruction of the country. Czech industry has a very good reputation in the country. Today, we signed a number of documents that will enable the development of cooperation in many areas. We see potential especially in the petrochemical industry, mining, agriculture and water management," said the Prime Minister.

from the signing of documents

The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Oil of Iraq have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on oil imports. "We are getting rid of our dependence on Russian oil, we are succeeding thanks to the fact that we have expanded the capacity of the TAL pipeline with the help of our partners. Successful testing of Iraqi oil has also taken place at the refinery in Litvínov. Iraq could become one of our really important suppliers in the future," added the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic.

Our companies have built part of the refinery capacities in Basra and other places and are interested in continuing their cooperation. The Czech Geological Survey is negotiating cooperation with the Geological Survey of Iraq in the extraction of lithium in Iraq. Our companies also have experience in the construction and modernization of dams in the north of Iraq. They are seeking contracts in other areas, such as wastewater treatment, access to drinking water and many others.

from the press conference

During the visit, an air services agreement was signed between the two countries, which will have a positive impact on mutual tourism and trade, offering more business opportunities for carriers. The agreement replaces the outdated regulation from the 1960s.

Defence-industrial cooperation was also an important topic of the meeting. "The Iraqi Air Force has been using Czech L-159 aircraft for 10 years and Aero is interested in continuing cooperation, especially in concluding a new long-term contract for aircraft maintenance. We also see an opportunity for the supply of new L-39NG training aircraft for training Iraqi pilots. Tatra is very successful on the Iraqi market, making several deliveries," said Prime Minister Fiala.

"The Czech Republic, within the framework of the Global Coalition against the Islamic State, continuously provides Iraq with multilateral support, whether in the form of military and police training activities or civilian humanitarian and stabilization assistance. We are ready to continue this support in view of the uncertain development of the situation in Syria," said the Czech Prime Minister.

from the meeting of delegations at the Office of the Government

The following documents were concluded during the visit:

• Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Petroleum of the Republic of Iraq
• Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Security Matters between the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Iraq
• Declaration of Intent for Cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Iraq in the field of environmental protection
• Agreement between the Government of the Czech Republic and the Government of the Republic of Iraq on Air Services
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Czech Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Iraq
• Cooperation Agreement between the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and the Federation of Iraqi Industrial Enterprises

Prime Minister signs the memorial book

 

Převzato ze stránek ÚV ČR:  Premiér Fiala jednal s iráckým předsedou vlády Súdáním o dovozu ropy a rozvoji obchodu | Vláda České republiky převzal: Ing. Roman Plevák, Ph.D., vedoucí Oddělení obchodu a rozvojové spolupráce, Velvyslanectví ČR v Bagdádu