Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom Visits Birmingham and Discusses Economic Cooperation and Support for the Iraqi Community

His Excellency Dr. Salih Hussein Ali Al-Tamimi, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom, paid an official visit to the city of Birmingham, during which His Excellency met with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhary.

The two sides discussed mechanisms for developing bilateral cooperation between the Embassy and the Lord Mayor’s Office in the economic field, as well as ways to support the Iraqi community in the city. His Excellency the Ambassador highlighted opportunities to benefit from Birmingham’s expertise in the fields of civil engineering, technology, pharmaceuticals, and education, with a view to supporting Iraq’s efforts to diversify its economy.

For his part, Lord Mayor Choudhary welcomed cooperation aimed at meeting Iraq’s development needs. The two sides agreed to explore areas of mutual interest, including the possibility of organising an economic conference bringing together businesspeople and investors from both countries. They also agreed to examine the feasibility of establishing direct air links between the two countries via Birmingham Airport.

In a related development, His Excellency the Ambassador met with Professor Paul Cadman, Chairman of the Thousand Trade Group, along with a number of representatives of the group, which comprises approximately eight companies specialising in pharmaceuticals, defence equipment, and technology.

The meeting addressed ways of strengthening joint coordination through the Embassy’s participation in events and conferences organised by the group, as well as inviting Iraqi companies and businesspeople to play an active role in the city’s economic activities. This would contribute to the transfer of advanced British expertise and experience to Iraq.

The meetings were attended by Dr. Wael Al-Rubaie, Consul General in Manchester; Counsellor Amer Al-Fatlawi, Deputy Ambassador; Counsellor Atheer Al-Saadi, Director of the Economic Section; and Mr. Ali Saddam, Iraqi Commercial Attaché.