Armenian envoy says trade with Iraq at $400 million, eyes transport cooperation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Armenia's Ambassador to Baghdad, Ruben Sughian, said annual trade between Armenia and Iraq stands at around $400 million, during a meeting with Iraqi Transport Minister Wabn al-Hasni. According to a written statement from the Iraqi Transport Ministry, the two sides discussed joint transport files between Baghdad and Yerevan and ways to expand cooperation. Sughian said new avenues of cooperation in the transport sector could be opened by drawing on the experience of Armenian companies in road construction, logistics support and railways. He added that a recent visit to Basra had strengthened his conviction about the strategic importance of the Grand Faw Port and the Development Road project. Minister al-Hasni said Iraq wanted advanced companies from friendly countries to contribute to the development of its transport infrastructure. He noted that a draft agreement on transport cooperation between Iraq and Armenia has been completed and is targeted for implementation in the near term.