The purpose of this courtesy visit was to maintain the link between Iraq and the Organisation and to discuss Iraq’s future within OTIF.

Iraq has been a Member State since 1965. Its membership was suspended in 1997 by decision of the General Assembly under the 1980 version of COTIF.

Following a request from Iraq, it was decided to suspend its membership due to the absence of international rail traffic caused by exceptional circumstances. However, in accordance with the decision of the General Assembly, membership may be restored by unilateral notification from Iraq as soon as international rail traffic resumes.

The Secretary General welcomes this visit and thanks Dr Al Quraishi for the discussion.