Exclusive: Iraq’s Al-Sudani discusses 7 files with Turkish President, 2 NOV

Exclusive: Iraq’s Al-Sudani discusses 7 files with Turkish President

Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a private two-hour meeting on Friday in Istanbul to discuss bilateral ties and the Development Road project, an Iraqi official told Shafaq News.

The Iraqi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, quoted Erdogan as calling for strengthened relations and cooperation, particularly on the Development Road project. 

“Turkiye and Iraq are neighboring nations with longstanding historical and cultural bonds,” Erdogan reportedly said. 

“Strengthening our relations and exploring cooperation opportunities, especially through the Development Road project, will yield significant benefits for both countries.”

The Development Road, a strategic initiative championed by al-Sudani, has garnered consistent interest from Ankara, according to the Iraqi official. Therefore, Erdogan underscored Turkiye's commitment to establishing “an effective mechanism for implementing the project,” which he suggested could become “a key economic axis for the region.” He further noted the interest of several countries in connecting their infrastructure to the project to benefit from the trade route.

Beyond economic cooperation, the leaders also focused extensively on strategies for regional stability and security, the official said. 

Both al-Sudani and Erdogan reportedly agreed on the importance of diplomatic efforts to halt Israeli hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon, expressing concern over the potential for further regional escalation.

Erdogan conveyed Turkiye’s readiness to support Iraq’s stability and security, according to the Iraqi official, who added that the meeting also addressed progress made by technical teams implementing agreements signed in Baghdad in April 2024. These agreements include a water cooperation framework, with both sides expressing readiness to develop water infrastructure projects and land reclamation initiatives in Iraq.

Prime Minister al-Sudani’s announced visit to Turkiye, marks his second trip since assuming office.

TIDBITS FROM FIREFLY, 2 NOV

  Frank26   

[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]   

FIREFLY: Television is saying Sudani and Saleh are telling Iraqi citizens our relationship with America needs and will turn to economic and will fade away from a military relationship.

FIREFLY: Mr. Sammy said all branch bank managers have gone through and now completed international service standards in banking reforms as of yesterday morning.  

FRANK: Why?  Because of the float.  You have to have a new exchange rate if you're going to float it.

🚨 Breaking News: U.S. Greenlights Iraq's International Status! 💵

Strategic Planning Committee: urgent cabinet reshuffle needed in Iraq, 2 NOV

 Strategic Planning Committee: urgent cabinet reshuffle needed in Iraq

Shafaq News/ The Strategic Planning Committee in the Iraqi Parliament announced on Saturday that a cabinet reshuffle within Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government has become an "urgent necessity" to address performance shortcomings.

Committee member Mohammed al-Baldawi told Shafaq News that a clear report has been submitted to the Speaker of the Parliament, which is expected to be read in the coming days before being sent to the Cabinet.

“There is a need for a ministerial adjustment… certain ministries are lagging in executing their government programs due to the inability of specific ministers to effectively manage their departments.” He pointed out.

"We need a change that citizens can perceive within the ministerial cabinet, and we will witness a real transformation in approximately five ministries in the government in the near future," he stated.

Last week, Prime Minister al-Sudani revealed an upcoming ministerial adjustment, indicating that the reshuffle would be based on performance indicators and aligned with the government’s program.

He affirmed that this decision is neither political nor personal but “reflects a commitment to achieving a more effective performance to meet the demands of the moment and the aspirations of the citizens.”

JUDY NOTES, 2 NOV

 JUDY NOTES

Possible Timing:

• Fri. 4 Oct. saw the launch of a new Quantum Financial System (QFS) satellite, linking the system to Star Link.

• Thurs 24 Oct. 2024: The new gold/backed BRICS Currency Note would now be used for international trade, replacing the fiat US Dollar.

• On Sun. 27 Oct. into Mon. 28 Oct. 2024 Project Sandman (US Dollar crash) kicked off.

• Wed. 30 Oct. 2024: Tier4b funds released in Brazil.

• Also on Fri. 1 Nov. 2024 Texas, the possible site of the new US Republic Capitol, transferred into gold-backed currency.

IRAQ WILL ENHANCE THE DINAR'S VALUE IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS @DINARREVAL...

Presidencies Congratulate And Powers Bless The Resolution Of The Knot Of Choosing The Speaker Of Parliament, 2 NOV

 Presidencies Congratulate And Powers Bless The Resolution Of The Knot Of Choosing The Speaker Of Parliament

November 1, 2024  Baghdad - Nada Shawkat  Baghdad streets turned into lakes after a wave of heavy rains, the day after MP Mahmoud al-Mashhadani was elected as Speaker of Parliament following disputes over the position that lasted for about a year after the dismissal of former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi by a decision of the Federal Supreme Court, indicating that his election reflects a new beginning full of goodness and opportunities.

Al-Mashhadani said after announcing that he had gained the confidence of the representatives that (this responsibility is an important and great assignment and I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations and I hope to be at its level, and from here I pledge to you that we will work as a cohesive team to legislate laws that serve the people of our country, and I put my hand in yours to monitor the performance of the government and its program that it presented to the House of Representatives when it was approved and during the remaining period of its life to reach the best desired results). Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani congratulated al-Mashhadani on his election as Speaker of Parliament.

Al-Sudani confirmed in a statement received by (Al-Zaman) yesterday (the government's determination to continue implementing its service and development program, in full cooperation with the constitutional authorities, foremost of which is the legislative and oversight authority, represented by the House of Representatives).

For his part, President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid considered the election of the parliament as its speaker an important step in completing the constitutional and national entitlements.

 Rashid said in a post on the X platform (Sincere congratulations to Al-Mashhadani on the occasion of his election as Speaker of the Council of Representatives), adding that (the election of the Council of Representatives as its Speaker is an important step in completing the constitutional and national entitlements).

Meanwhile, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, expressed in a statement received by (Al-Zaman) yesterday his hope that (the election of Al-Mashhadani will contribute to strengthening national solidarity, and will push everyone to make every possible effort to serve the homeland with all its components).

For his part, the Prime Minister of the region, Masrour Barzani, congratulated Al-Mashhadani in a statement yesterday on the occasion of his election as Speaker of the Federal Council of Representatives, wishing him success in performing his duties).

The First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, congratulated Al-Mashhadani on the occasion of his election as Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives in its fifth session.

In a statement received by (Al-Zaman) yesterday, he said that (the presidency and members of the House of Representatives are keen, during the current parliamentary session, to complete the maturation and legislation of laws that meet the aspirations of the people and touch their living and service reality). Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Batal Al-Najm, congratulated Al-Mashhadani on his election as Speaker of the Iraqi House of Representatives.

 In a statement received by (Al-Zaman) yesterday, Al-Najm wished (Al-Mashhadani success in his duties to serve Iraq, achieve the aspirations of the people, and enhance the legislative and oversight role of the Iraqi Parliament).

 In addition, the head of the Progress Party, Mohammed Al-Halbousi, received Al-Mashhadani after his election as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Yesterday's statement said that (the meeting witnessed discussion of a number of files and laws to be legislated in Parliament).