Pakistan and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Umm Qasr Port in Iraq. The move is aimed at strengthening maritime links, boosting economic cooperation, and enhancing regional connectivity.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry welcomed the initiative, noting that it would help promote religious travel, increase cargo movement, and create new opportunities for trade between the two countries.
The agreement was finalized during a high-level meeting in Islamabad attended by Iraqi officials and their Pakistani counterparts. Both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in shipping, logistics, and bilateral trade.
As part of the talks, Pakistan offered to supply Iraq with potassium sulphate through facilities at the Gwadar Free Zone. This proposal aligns with Iraq’s current demand for the product and highlights Gwadar’s potential as a key hub for regional trade.
In return, Iraq expressed its support for Pakistan’s candidature in the upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections, signaling a deepening partnership between the two nations.
Officials believe the new ferry service could significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims and traders, making transportation more affordable and efficient. It is also expected to strengthen people-to-people connections and encourage investment in port infrastructure.
The MoU marks a step forward in Pakistan’s strategy to position Gwadar as a major maritime gateway, linking South Asia with the Middle East and beyond.
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