Friday, April 18, 2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Prime Minister: Iraq Needs Bold Reforms To Ensure Regional Stability, 18 APRIL
Prime Minister: Iraq Needs Bold Reforms To Ensure Regional Stability
Buratha News Agency1052025-04-16 Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) that Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms, emphasizing the need for the outcomes of reform to be directed towards the poor and marginalized groups.
In his speech during the ninth Sulaymaniyah Forum, held at the American University of Sulaymaniyah, al-Sudani stated that “Iraq is ready to be a reliable partner and an effective contributor to strengthening regional stability,” noting that “the true value of any reform lies in reaching marginalized groups and saving them from poverty.”
He added that "the government has embarked on implementing the highest production plan to build new power plants, in addition to entering into solar and renewable energy projects for the first time," warning against the use of political rhetoric to defame and distort facts related to government performance.
The forum was widely attended by local and international political,
economic, and academic figures, including former President Barham Salih, who emphasized in his opening remarks that "the current situation regarding negotiations between the United States and Iran presents the region with a historic opportunity to achieve stability and a dignified life for its people."
He explained that our region has long suffered from wars and violence, and that the time has come to move to a new reality through dialogue and understanding to build a better future.
The Sulaymaniyah Forum, held this year in its ninth edition at the American University of Iraq, Sulaymaniyah, is one of the most prominent intellectual and political events, bringing together decision-makers and researchers from inside and outside Iraq to discuss pivotal issues related to politics, economics, and regional and international security. https://burathanews.com/arabic/news/458900
FRANCIS: " Iraq-KRG unity is a prerequisite for rate reform U.S. involvement = global alignment check" , 18 APRIL
Francis
What they're not saying directly, but signaling: Iraq-KRG unity is a prerequisite for rate reform U.S. involvement = global alignment check
Peace in Türkiye & Syria = currency stability buffer All arrows point to RV readiness phase
Diplomacy = cover for economic realignment.
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IQD RV: IRAQ PRESIDENT MEETS WITH US DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met, on Wednesday, with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Taylor in al-Sulaymaniyah to review ties between the United States, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.
According to a statement from the Region Presidency, both sides emphasized the need to "sustain dialogue" between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues.
The talks also covered regional developments and their potential impact on Iraq and Kurdistan, with a shared focus on "preserving security and stability."
The meeting followed Taylor's Tuesdaydiscussions with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, which explored the peace process in Turkiye and the situation of Kurdish factions in Syria.
Al-Sudani: Customs Revenues Increase And Inflation Declines In Iraq, 18 APRIL
Al-Sudani: Customs Revenues Increase And Inflation Declines In Iraq
Money and Business Economy News – Baghdad Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Wednesday that his government has succeeded in maximizing non-oil resources by increasing customs revenues and decreasing inflation in the country.
Al-Sudani said during the forum that today we are entering the second quarter of the twenty-first century and our country is brimming with unique success stories in every corner of it, and in every Iraqi city there is a tireless service and construction workshop, noting that infrastructure has grown in all Iraqi cities.
He added that the inherited stalled projects have decreased to less than 850, after previously numbering in the thousands. He explained, "We have embarked on the highest production plan to build power plants and for the first time, we have entered solar, clean, and renewable energy projects, and the rate of gas flaring cessation has exceeded 70 percent."
He continued, "It is unacceptable for political competition to devolve into the use of defamatory language and the concealment of the truth about government performance. Iraq needs bold and comprehensive reforms."
He explained that the true value of any reform lies in reaching the poor and marginalized groups and saving them from the clutches of poverty.
Al-Sudani revealed that customs revenues increased by 128 percent and the annual inflation rate declined, noting that Iraq is proceeding with confidence in agriculture, ensuring food security, and achieving self-sufficiency.
Al-Sudani also stressed that Iraq has maintained its firm and principled positions, especially its position on the Palestinian issue, and that Iraq is prepared to be a reliable partner and an effective contributor to regional stability.
Al-Sudani announced his intention to run in the elections scheduled for November of this year, stressing that the alliances will be announced in the coming days. He added that the elections represent an opportunity to support a reform project in Iraq.
He also touched on the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, saying that it had moved to a technical and legal dialogue for the first time, and that the oil and gas law had become an urgent necessity. He also stated that the Popular Mobilization Forces were an essential part of the security system.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister announced that Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara will attend the Arab Summit scheduled to be held in the capital, Baghdad, next month. Al-Sudani stated, "Al-Shara is welcome to attend the Arab Summit in Baghdad, and an official invitation has been extended to him in this regard." https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=54494
AJ UPDATE, 18 APRIL
AJ
Iraq has delayed the submission of its 2025 federal budget to parliament, citing technical adjustments linked to oil-related expenditures in the Kurdistan Region, a senior government advisor confirmed Wednesday.
Mudhhir Mohammed Saleh, Financial and Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, sais that the postponement stems from amendments to the Federal Budget Law No. 13 of 2023—particularly Article 12, which was revised in February.
The changes, he noted, have complicated the finalization process due to their impact on the financial arrangements with the Kurdistan Region.
“Signs of a global oil market downturn are becoming evident due to geopolitical volatility, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, instability in the Middle East, and recent OPEC+ decisions.”
On Tuesday, the Parliament’s Finance Committee expressed concern over the delay. Member Saad Al-Noubi remarked that Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim and Finance Minister Taif Sami had previously assured lawmakers that the tables were ready for Cabinet review.
