Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today the President of the Arab Tourism Organization affiliated with the League of Arab, Mr. Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid, and his accompanying delegation.

According to Media Office of the Prime Minister : During the meeting, discussions focused on joint efforts to develop Iraq’s tourism sector in line with the government’s strategic plan to enhance the country’s tourism potential.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration with the Arab Tourism Organization to attract Arab tourism to Iraq, a country rich in religious, archaeological, and natural attractions.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani also oversaw the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Arab Tourism Organization and two entities: the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, and the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance.

These MoUs aim to expand and develop cooperation in the following areas:

1. Utilizing the agreement between the Arab Tourism Organization and the Islamic Development Bank Group regarding investment insurance policies to attract capital for tourism projects in Iraq.

2. Leveraging the organization’s programs and agreements with global companies for technical consultations and studies.

3. Upgrading Iraqi tourism facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes, to meet international quality and ISO certification standards.

4. Benefiting from the organization’s training and development programs to enhance the skills of employees in both public and private tourism sectors.

5. Exploring the possibility of establishing a regional office for the Arab Tourism Organization in Baghdad to represent the Levant region.

6. Launching the Arab Tourist Card project in Baghdad through the organization’s strategic partner, the International Development Bank, in collaboration with Visa International.

7. Implementing training programs for Iraqi youth in quality control for tourism and hospitality facilities.