Tehran: Iran and Iraq are moving to expand their cooperation in information and communications technology (ICT), shifting from mainly operational coordination to a broader and more sustainable framework covering infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital economy, and emerging technologies. The latest step in the growing cooperation between the two countries is taken during the current visit of Iraq's Communications Minister Mustafa Jabar Sanad, who arrived in Tehran on Monday at the invitation of his Iranian counterpart Sattar Hashemi.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Sanad's visit to Tehran is aimed at furthering discussions on communications and technology cooperation and also participating in the 29th International Exhibition of Electronics, Computer and E-Commerce (ELECOMP), one of Iran's major technology events. A specialized Iran-Iraq forum is also scheduled on the sidelines of the exhibition to explore joint opportunities in ICT and facilitate direct engagement among technology companies, operators, and digital-economy players from both countries.

In mid-July, Hashemi also paid a visit to Baghdad, where he and his Iraqi counterpart discussed improving telecommunications infrastructure, roaming services, and connectivity along the Iran-Iraq border, particularly during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage. They also agreed to provide free internet access for pilgrims along the Najaf-Karbala route.

Beyond Arbaeen-related services, the talks covered Iran's experience in cybersecurity, digital economy, e-health, space technology, and telecommunications research. Tehran has also expressed readiness to share its expertise in network resilience, cybersecurity, and fiber-optic infrastructure with Iraq.