Author: Amr Salem
Support for the Palestinian Cause: Iraqi Government’s Constant Commitment The Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, reiterated Iraq’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during a press conference with Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohamed Mustafa. Hussein emphasized the Iraqi government and people’s solidarity with Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Expressing concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Hussein praised US President Joe Biden’s ceasefire initiative and stressed the need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts in the region. Mustafa highlighted Iraq’s pivotal role in backing the Palestinian cause and condemned the aggression against Gaza as a threat to regional peace. With…
Iraqi Prime Minister Spearheads Cooperation Agreement for Private Sector Development In a significant move to boost private sector development in Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani facilitated a cooperation agreement between the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) and Germany’s Export Credit Agency (ECA). The agreement aims to provide financing for key projects in the country. One of the key outcomes of this agreement was a 110 million euro deal signed between the TBI, Germany’s Commerzbank, and Aka Bank to fund the construction of a plate glass factory in Najaf governorate. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the industrial…
Iraq Plays Mediator in Syrian-Turkish Reconciliation Efforts In a surprising turn of events, Iraq has emerged as a key player in the ongoing efforts to reconcile Syria and Turkey. A government source revealed that officials from Damascus and Ankara will soon meet in Baghdad as part of a dialogue table facilitated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. Despite years of strained relations and conflict between the two countries, Iraq’s mediation efforts have yielded positive results. Al-Sudani and his team have been working behind the scenes to bring both parties to the negotiation table, with both Syria and Turkey welcoming…
IFC and CIS Group recently signed an agreement to support youth employment opportunities in Lebanon and Iraq. This partnership aims to enhance the vocational educational offerings of CIS Group and improve corporate governance procedures, aligning young people’s skills with market demands. The project is part of the Prospects Partnership, a global initiative to enhance access to education, social protection, and jobs for vulnerable groups supported by the Dutch government. With high youth unemployment rates in Iraq and Lebanon, this collaboration seeks to address the issue by equipping students with skills that meet market needs. By fostering cooperation with the private…
Iraqi Parliament Approves Budget Increase until 2024 The Iraqi parliament has given its seal of approval for the country’s proposed budget, setting the stage for increased expenditures until the end of 2024. The budget bill, which raised Iraq’s expenditure to 211 trillion Iraqi dinars, was passed by 199 lawmakers during a session chaired by the parliament’s acting speaker, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi. In June 2023, Iraq had approved a record $152 billion three-year budget, with a share of 12.6% allocated to the Kurdistan region. However, the 2024 budget comes with a deficit of around 63 trillion Iraqi dinars, representing about one-third of…
IRCS sends massive aid convoy to Palestinians in Gaza Strip The Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by sending a huge humanitarian aid convoy through the Rafah crossing. The convoy, supported by the Iraqi government and under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, includes more than 500 tons of food and medical supplies. This latest gesture is part of a series of efforts by the IRCS to provide assistance to the people of Gaza. Last month, a convoy of 91 trucks filled with basic food…
Investment Opportunities in Iraq: Meeting with Elsewedy Electric CEO In a promising development, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, recently met with the CEO of Elsewedy Electric, Ahmed Alsewedy, to discuss potential investments in Iraq. The CEO expressed his company’s eagerness to invest in the country and collaborate in various sectors, with agreements to be announced soon. The meeting highlighted the Iraqi government’s efforts to boost economic reform and stimulate industry and agriculture. Both parties shared a vision of fostering an ideal investment climate to attract major global corporations across different fields. Specifically, discussions included opportunities in the gas…
Reviving Oil Exports: Iraq and Kurdistan Region Seek Resolution The Iraqi Ministry of Oil is keen on restarting oil exports to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, and has requested an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and foreign companies operating in northern Iraq to come to an agreement. Since March 2023, oil shipments via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline have been halted due to legal and financial uncertainties, impacting global oil supply. The conflict stems from the distribution of oil revenues between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The International…
Direct Flights Between Saudi Arabia and Iraq Strengthen Diplomatic Ties A historic moment took place when the first direct flight from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, landed at Najaf International Airport in Iraq. This milestone marks a significant step in promoting air transport between the two countries. Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Shammari highlighted the importance of this development in strengthening the diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The increased number of flights aims to facilitate travel for both Saudi nationals visiting Iraq and Iraqis traveling to Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Iraqi Ambassador Safia Al-Suhail expressed optimism about the…
Iraqi Prime Minister and Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister discuss Economic and Service Initiatives for Sustainable Growth The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Masrour Barzani, met to discuss government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable growth in the economic and service sectors. The meeting focused on addressing national concerns, government initiatives for the economy and services, and methods to achieve sustainable growth that would benefit all Iraqis. Both leaders emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions and constructive dialogue to resolve unresolved issues in a way that aligns with the country’s…