An MOU was concluded between Shiraz Municipality and Mayoralty of Baghdad on the anniversary birthday of Imam Ali (A.S.) by high-ranking officials of both cities to foster cooperation in different areas of the urban administration including infrastructures development, public transportation improvement, experiences exchange on the environment, urban services and the improvement of cultural and tourism exchanges.
 

Asadi, Shiraz Mayor, appreciated Baghdad’s hospitality and referred to the warm welcome of Baghadad as the long-lasting tradition dating back to the past.
Asadi said “we are pleased that our negotiations and efforts lead to the conclusion of this MOU less than two years after receiving the Mayor of Baghdad and his deputy mayor in Shiraz.”

Referring to the religious, cultural, historical and civilization similarities between Iran and Iraq, he continued “these deep ties are heavy burden on the shoulder of officials who must try to promote them through cooperation and showing empathy.”

As a member of LHC board member, Asadi continued “the conclusion of this MOU is merely the beginning of our journey. The cooperation between two cities enjoying a rich historical background should turn to an inspiring model of bilateral relationships.”
Asadi also said “Facilitation Affairs and Activism of Shiraz and Baghdad urban administration teams are important for blooming the tourists’ exchanges including religious, literary, cultural and health tourism.

Extending his congratulations to Baghdad for being designated as the capital city of tourism in the Arab world in 2025, he continued “Baghdad and the city of Shiraz as a World Craft City, and Iranian-Islamic art and culture and the third Iranian religious major city, should pave the way for offering the citizens of both cities with exchange opportunities in cultural, religious and art fields.”

Declaring that Shiraz and Baghdad are members of four international organizations including Metropolis, League of Historical Cities, OICC, and AMF, Asadi said “collaboration and synergy of both cities within the plans and activities of these organizations may open a new important chapter of Shiraz-Baghdad cooperation particularly in decision-making and directing the orientation of international organizations are effective and inspiring.”

Ammar Musa Kadhim, Mayor of Baghdad, declared “in the current period, the mayoralty of Baghdad is interested in conclusion of MOUs with cities and capital cities with which Baghdad has common roots as such cooperation is made for the purpose of cultural, technical and social services exchanges.”  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
He added “one of these MOUs is made between Baghdad and Shiraz, which we have been working on for around one and a half year to make the required arrangements thereof.”

He referred to the historical, cultural and religious similarities of Baghdad and Shiraz, and said “I believe these commonalities can foster the development and cooperation of both cities more.”

Baghdad Mayor continued “in addition to Shiraz, Baghdad has concluded MOUs with other cities including Paris, Amman, Tunis and Istanbul.”
He then emphasized that this MOU would be of great benefit to the citizens of both metropolitan cities, and both parties would gain enjoy invaluable experiences of the other party in all urban areas particularly in tourism, urban facilities, etc. in order to improve the related areas in their respective cities.”

He emphasized the use of good practices of Shiraz in the area of public transportation particularly in development of the urban subway.

He then added “we plan to give priority to the use of these experiences in our public transportation projects, and it reflects the improvement of our transportation infrastructures through enjoying the successful models of other cities.”