Iraq and Oman Sign Strategic Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

In a historic step toward deepening regional ties, the Republic of Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman signed two landmark agreements and 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide spectrum of sectors. The signing ceremony took place at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah, Dhofar, on September 3, 2025, under the patronage of Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shiaʿa Al-Sudani, and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said.

 

Key Agreements

The two formal agreements include:

• Mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic,  special, and service passports.
• Avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion on income and capital.

Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)

The 24 MoUs span a wide range of strategic sectors, underscoring the depth of cooperation envisioned by both nations. These include:

• Justice and Legal Affairs
• Tourism, Youth, and Sports
• Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research
• Historical Documentation and Archives
• Banking Oversight and Financial Stability
• Energy, Industry, and Defense Industrial Cooperation
• Communications, Media, and Broadcasting
• Ports, Logistics, and Trade Development
• Oil Marketing and Storage
• Capital Markets and Stock Exchange Collaboration
• Chambers of Commerce Partnerships
• Smart City Development in Karbala

Strategic Energy Cooperation

Among the most notable MoUs are those in the energy sector. Iraq and Oman agreed to develop a 10 million-barrel oil storage facility in Duqm, in addition to an arrangement entrusting OQ Trading with marketing Iraqi crude oil on international markets. These initiatives represent a significant leap in operational partnership and long-term regional energy security.

A New Era of Bilateral Relations

This visit marks the first official trip by an Iraqi Prime Minister to Oman under the reign of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, symbolizing a new phase of strategic cooperation. Both sides highlighted their commitment to ensuring the agreements and MoUs are actively implemented through the Iraqi-Omani Joint Committee and their respective embassies.

Looking Ahead

The agreements not only open doors for stronger trade and investment flows but also lay the groundwork for future collaboration in infrastructure, education, governance, and technology. With projects such as the planned smart city in Karbala and the establishment of stronger trade corridors linking Omani ports to Iraq’s Grand Faw Port, the partnership is set to benefit both economies and peoples.

Sources:

1. https://www.fm.gov.om/%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%B7%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%8F%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%85%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%91%D8%A9%D9%8F-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D9%91%D8%B9%D8%A7/?lang=ar
2. https://pmo.iq/?article=3648