Iran Offers Expertise in Smart Government and Cybersecurity to Iraq
On January 30, 2025, Iranian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Star Hashemi, announced the country’s commitment to sharing its expertise in the areas of smart government and cybersecurity with Iraq. During a meeting with the Iraqi ambassador to Tehran, Naseer Abdul Mohsen Abdullah Al-Kharawi, Hashemi emphasized the critical need for reinforcing the communications infrastructure, particularly to accommodate the influx of visitors during religious festivities.
Hashemi highlighted past collaborative efforts between Iran and Iraq, particularly in enhancing Internet connectivity during major ceremonial events, which has played a significant role in improving communication quality. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation to facilitate better interactions between visitors and their families.
Significantly, Hashemi noted the previous partnerships between the two nations in smart governance and cybersecurity, reaffirming Iran’s readiness to transfer its technological capabilities to Iraq. He further discussed the potential for advancements in artificial intelligence and the importance of leveraging these technologies for mutual benefit.
The conversation also touched on joint investments in international data transit, the expansion of marine optical fiber networks, and the establishment of advanced data centers as key opportunities for enhancing bilateral partnerships.
The Iraqi ambassador underscored the strong ties between Iran and Iraq, revealing that senior officials from both nations are aiming to increase the annual trade exchange to $20 billion, a substantial portion of which is expected to pertain to the telecommunications and information technology sectors.
He further articulated Iraq’s need for collaborative efforts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the improvement of telecommunications infrastructure. With traffic between the nations reaching between 8 to 10 million Iranian visitors traveling to Iraq and 3 to 4 million Iraqi visitors heading to Iran annually, there is a pressing demand for enhanced coordination within the telecommunications sector to ensure seamless services for travelers.
This evolving partnership signifies a strategic move towards bolstering technological frameworks and trade relations between Iran and Iraq, creating opportunities for economic growth through enhanced infrastructure and mutual expertise sharing.