Iraq, Azerbaijan Plan Direct Flights and Trade Growth

Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, met with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, on 15th February 2025 in Munich, where they discussed strengthening cooperation between their two nations.

The ministers praised the historical and cultural ties shared by Iraq and Azerbaijan, emphasising the potential for enhanced collaboration across various sectors. A key topic of discussion was boosting air connectivity, with Minister Hussein calling for the reactivation of direct flights between Baghdad and Baku, as well as the establishment of a new air route linking Baku and Erbil. This initiative aims to bolster economic relations, particularly in the tourism sector.

In addition, Minister Hussein invited Azerbaijani companies specialising in oil and gas to invest in Iraq, highlighting the country’s abundant opportunities in the energy sector. In response, Minister Bayramov expressed interest in exploring Iraq’s investment landscape, with plans for further discussions during Hussein’s upcoming visit to Baghdad.

The meeting also covered global security issues in the context of the Munich Security Conference. At the conclusion of their talks, Minister Hussein formally invited Bayramov to visit Iraq to advance investment discussions and deepen economic cooperation. The Azerbaijani minister welcomed the invitation, confirming that he intends to visit after Ramadan.

This engagement marks a step forward in Iraq-Azerbaijan relations, paving the way for stronger economic, diplomatic, and cultural collaboration.