Iraq’s Ministry of Justice announced on Tuesday, March 11, that the country has successfully defended itself in a high-profile international arbitration case against Germany’s AHG Industry GmbH & Co. KG. The case, which was filed at the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), involved a dispute over a contract for the rehabilitation and operation of the Kirkuk Cement Plant.
In 2022, ICSID had dismissed the original claim by AHG, which had sought $1 billion in damages. The following year, ICSID appointed an ad hoc committee to consider the potential annulment of the decision. However, the arbitral tribunal upheld Iraq’s position and dismissed AHG’s claims, marking a significant legal victory for the country.
Haitham Mohi Radi, Director of the Ministry’s Legal Department, celebrated the ruling, calling it a reinforcement of Iraq’s legal standing in international disputes. He emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to defending Iraq’s rights in global legal forums.
AHG was represented by New York-based law firm Bracewell, while Iraq was represented by UK-based Baker Botts and Kadhims Ltd. This case reflects Iraq’s increasing focus on protecting its interests in international arbitration and legal matters.