Fouad Hussein talks from Washington about Iraq’s priorities in the relationship with America
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein stressed that strengthening the partnership with the United States of America embodies a priority in Iraq’s foreign policy, pointing to the work of activating new agreements, especially in the field of energy.
This came as part of Hussein’s official visit to the United States, and he met on Tuesday with a group of prominent journalists and correspondents from the American media, at the building of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington.
During the meeting, the minister reviewed regional and international developments, and highlighted the priorities of Iraqi foreign policy, stressing the Iraqi government’s keenness to strengthen the partnership with the United States in the political, security and economic fields.
According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry today, April 30, 2025, “The discussion dealt in particular with the challenges related to energy security in Iraq, as the minister stressed that the government is working hard to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen national capabilities in the field of energy production, through the diversification of international partnerships and activating new agreements with a number of countries, in addition to benefiting from international expertise in the field of renewable energy and the investment of associated gas.”
The deliberations touched on the role of US forces in Iraq, and Hussein stressed that “the presence of these forces falls within the tasks of training and advisory support, not within the framework of combat,” stressing “Iraq’s commitment to preserve its national sovereignty, its keenness to continue security cooperation, and prevent the return of the activity of the terrorist organization ISIS, while stressing not to engage in any regional conflicts.”
Regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Hussein stressed that “stability in the region will not be achieved without reaching a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue.”
In other axes, the meeting included a discussion on the developments of nuclear negotiations with Iran, Iraqi-Syrian relations, and the importance of supporting efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region. In this context, the Foreign Minister stressed “Iraq’s quest to play an effective and balanced role in its Arab and regional environment, based on the principles of mutual respect and common interests,” according to the Foreign Ministry’s statement.
SANDY INGRAM : World Bank Iraq Summit: Here's what happened
Highlights
Summary
The video delves into the ongoing cooperation between Iraq and the United States, particularly in the economic and security sectors. It highlights the interrelationship between Iraq’s economic prospects, the role of international institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, and recent developments regarding security threats, specifically related to ISIS.
The discussion begins with an update on the arrest of an ISIS suspect connected to the tragic New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans, which underscores the U.S.'s influence and interest in matters of Iraqi security. Additionally, the narrative quickly shifts to Iraq’s economic recovery and development projects funded by the World Bank, which have significant implications for the Iraqi dinar’s valuation.
Noteworthy meetings between Iraqi finance minister Ty Sami and World Bank officials reveal a concerted effort to enhance Iraq’s infrastructure and social development through the implementation of key projects. As these initiatives gain traction, they are expected to improve the overall economic situation and the quality of life for citizens in Iraq.
🇺🇸 U.S.-Iraq Cooperation: Ongoing partnership focuses on economic and security collaboration behind closed doors.
🏗️ World Bank Engagement: The World Bank is actively funding key infrastructure projects in Iraq, influencing the nation’s GDP.
💰 Oil Revenue Management: Following the 2003 invasion, Iraq’s oil revenues were centralized in the Federal Reserve to protect its financial interests.
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Development Goals: Iraqi officials and World Bank representatives address priority development goals including infrastructure and human development.
🚄 Railway Project: A significant railway initiative is part of the projects bolstered by World Bank funding and support.
🌱 Focus on Renewable Energy: Plans to expand renewable energy usage are part of Iraq’s broader developmental ambitions.
👥 Job Creation Initiatives: Discussions emphasize social protection programs and job creation as vital components for Iraq’s economic resurgence.
Key Insights
🌍 Global Economic Influence on Iraq: The United States, along with international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, has a direct role in shaping the economic landscape of Iraq. Their influence is pivotal in determining fiscal policies and aiding in Iraq’s transition toward a more stable economy. This relationship underscores the importance of external forces in post-conflict recovery situations.
🛡️ Security Issues Addressed Systemically: The recent arrest of an ISIS suspect linked to an international terror incident demonstrates the overlapping concerns of domestic security and international relations. U.S. authorities’ involvement indicates a larger trend of transnational cooperation in combating terrorism, which reinforces America’s strategic interest in ensuring a stable Iraq.
💵 Monetary Policy and Economic Stabilization: The concentration of Iraqi oil revenues in the U.S. Federal Reserve reflects a historical compromise to guard Iraq’s financial interests post-Saddam. This move was designed to prevent external entities from seizing Iraqi assets and serves as a benchmark for understanding Iraq’s current financial dealings and its potential to float its currency, the Iraqi dinar.
🏗️ Investment in Infrastructure as a Growth Catalyst: The World Bank’s commitment to infrastructure projects like railways signifies a long-term investment strategy aimed at stimulating economic growth. Infrastructure improvements are critical not only for immediate job creation but also for enhancing transport and logistics capabilities, which are vital for revitalizing trade and commerce within the region.
🤝 Human Development as a Shared Goal: The dialogue regarding social programs emphasizes a shift from purely infrastructural investments to more holistic approaches. This signifies recognition of the need for social stability along with economic growth. Programs concerning health care, education, and social protection can lead to improved quality of life and foster social cohesion.
🌱 Sustainable Development Goals: The discussions indicate a growing awareness about sustainability. Incorporating renewable energy options within development planning reflects a progressive outlook toward creating an environmentally sustainable economy in Iraq, ultimately contributing to global efforts against climate change.
🎯 Future Planning and Continued Partnership: Ongoing discussions and reviews of project progress highlight a commitment to cooperation between Iraqi authorities and international partners. Such collaborations promise a structured approach to development that focuses on accountability and shared objectives, essential elements for Iraq’s ongoing recovery journey.
Conclusion
The video emphasizes the critical interplay between Iraq’s economic revival and international collaboration, particularly between Iraq and the United States. With the backdrop of significant security challenges, the focus on development and infrastructural improvements indicates a comprehensive approach to recovery.
The active engagement of the World Bank suggests a robust framework for both immediate and long-term economic stability, paving the way for a brighter future for Iraq and its citizens.
As this partnership unfolds, it will be crucial to continue monitoring both the economic metrics and the social indicators that together will chart a new course for the nation.
Shafaq News / Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani discussed on Wednesday with the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the American Company Baker Hughes, Lorenzo Simonelli, the Iraqi gas file, while stressing the provision of all facilities for the company’s work in Iraq.
The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “Al-Sudani received the Chairman and CEO of the American Baker Hughes Company, specialized in oil and energy services, Lorenzo Simonelli. During the meeting, they discussed the prospects for cooperation in the field of energy and reviewing the company’s projects in Iraq, including the completion of gas processing units in the Nasiriyah field with a standard capacity of 200 million cubic feet, which is hoped to complete the first phase before the summer of 2026, provided that the second phase will be completed in 2027.”
Al-Sudani pointed to “the government’s readiness to provide all facilities and support for the company’s work in Iraq, in light of government procedures for the entry of businessmen and companies into the Iraqi market,” noting that “the government has worked to improve the business environment to attract companies in all sectors.”
For his part, Baker Hughes expressed “his company’s commitment to implementing energy projects in Iraq and expanding its framework,” stressing that “Iraq enjoys promising investment opportunities in various fields.”
FIREFLY: Mr Sammy says...they are still hiding Article 12-2C because it's rate related for the budget. Keep watching what they do, not say. That can all be smoke screen.
FRANK: Brilliant suggestion.
FIREFLY:They're telling us...they're opening a new bank in America.
FRANK: My friend [Guru] Walkingstick has a friend in Michigan that has control of one of these banks. FIREFLY: TV just said that we're opening the bank in the US, so that one there must be the one in Michigan that your friend has.
FRANK: I'm not sure...The CBI will have many of these private banks around the world soon...The CBI will release a long list of these banks where Iraqi citizens or anyone that has 3-zero notes can go...and exchange their currency. The one in Michigan is being controlled by a friend whose name is Aki.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Region’s Council of Ministers said on Wednesday that it has met its obligations for resuming the Region’s oil exports, calling on the relevant authorities in Erbil and Baghdad to restart the process “as soon as possible.”
The Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting in Erbil on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, particularly the Kurdish oil exports which have been suspended for over two years.
“The Council of Ministers reaffirms its unchanging position in support of negotiations and discussions between both the Oil Ministry and Natural Resources Ministry for the soonest possible resumption of oil exports,” read a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
“To this end, the Council of Ministers calls on the [Kurdish] Ministry of Natural Resources, the Federal Oil Ministry, oil companies, and [Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization] SOMO to continue coordination and negotiation in order to resolve the issues and reach an agreement as soon as possible to resume Kurdistan Region’s oil exports and to prevent further financial losses to the general treasury, which have already exceeded tens of billions of dollars,”
it added.
Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline have been suspended since March 2023, after a Paris-based arbitration court ruled in favor of Baghdad, stating that Ankara had violated a 1973 pipeline agreement by allowing Erbil to export oil independently.
Iraq’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that Baghdad is seeking to resume Kurdish oil exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline and will “make every effort” to do so.
Myles Caggins, spokesperson for the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR), an umbrella group of international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region, told Rudaw on Tuesday that Baghdad must provide written documentation of the international consultant’s audit of production and costs.
“I want to make APIKUR’s position clear. Our companies are ready to resume oil exports when we have agreements, and we need agreements for sales and also an agreement for the international consultant that is required by Iraq’s budget law,” he added.
In early February, the Iraqi parliament approved amendments to the federal budget law, authorizing a $16-per-barrel fee for production and transport costs in the Kurdistan Region – a move seen as a crucial step toward restarting exports.
The amendments also require both the federal government and the KRG to establish an international technical consultancy within 60 days to assess production and transportation costs for oil fields in the Kurdistan Region. If an agreement cannot be reached, the federal council of ministers will appoint the consultancy.
