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Iraq's PM in UAE as Abu Dhabi announces water project in Sinjar

Iraq is pivoting towards the Gulf in its foreign policy while also seeking to maintain good ties with Iran.

An Iraqi farmer on a boat collects reeds from the banks of the southern Chibayish marshes in Dhi Qar province, on January 23, 2023, as water levels recover following a rainy period. (Photo by ASAAD NIAZI/AFP via Getty Images)
An Iraqi farmer on a boat collects reeds from the banks of the southern Chibayish marshes in Dhi Qar province, on January 23, 2023, as water levels recover following a rainy period. — Photo by ASAAD NIAZI/AFP via Getty Images

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, as Abu Dhabi announced $500,000 in funding toward water infrastructure in western Iraq’s Sinjar. 

Sudani met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to discuss bilateral cooperation and international developments. The two specifically discussed ways to enhance economic, trade, investment and development cooperation, according to the official Emirates News Agency. 

The UAE also announced Thursday it had allocated $500,000 toward water infrastructure in western Iraq’s Sinjar. It is the second phase of the project in coordination with Nadia’s Initiative, the agency reported. Nadia’s Initiative is led by Iraqi Yazidi activist Nadia Murad, who was held captive by the Islamic State before her escape in 2014. The initiative works on development in Sinjar. 

The Emirati president had invited Sudani to the UAE back in December. The two also held a phone call earlier this month, according to the official Iraqi News Agency. 

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