UK Ambassador: Optimistic about Iraq's Future
The UK Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Charles Hitchen, confirmed on Monday that Iraq is a country of opportunities and investments, expressing his optimism about the future of Iraq, for the creativity, courage, dignity and endurance of the Iraqi people.
"My mission will end in two weeks, and it is natural for us to start thinking about what conclusions we can offer and share with you several ideas after a beautiful experience with you in Iraq. I am optimistic about the future of your country and the source of optimism is the creativity, courage, dignity and endurance of the Iraqi people," Hitchen said, in a speech during the economic conference of the Iraqi-British Business Council - attended by the Iraqi News Agency - INA reporter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraq Business
an hour ago
- Iraq Business
Iraq Prepares 97 Industrial and Agricultural Projects
By John Lee. As part of preparations for the Iraq Investment Forum, scheduled for 14-15 June in Baghdad, the Operations Room of the National Investment Commission (NIC) held an extensive meeting to review investment opportunities submitted by the Ministries of Industry and Minerals and of Agriculture. 97 Strategic Opportunities The review covered 97 industrial investment opportunities worth an estimated 4 trillion Iraqi dinars. These include: Rehabilitation and development of public sector companies into profitable entities via strategic partnerships with the private sector. Establishment and expansion of industrial and economic cities. Projects in petrochemicals and fertilisers. 21 targeted opportunities in heavy and medium industries. In the agricultural sector, promising investment opportunities include: Crop and livestock production. Modern irrigation systems. Agricultural mechanisation. Development of food processing and packaging complexes, supporting food security and value-added outputs. The NIC emphasised the importance of aligning the national investment map with state priorities in productive sectors and food and industrial security. The Commission called for streamlined investor procedures in coordination with relevant ministries to ensure the readiness of projects before their presentation at the forum. The meeting was attended by members of the NIC Operations Room, representatives from the Iraqi Economic Council, and officials from the sectoral ministries. (Source: NIC)
Shafaq News
5 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Baghdad, Amman push cooperation on economy and environment
Shafaq News/ Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid met, on Sunday, with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Nice, France, to advance bilateral ties and coordinate responses to regional crises, including the war in Gaza. The meeting, held during the UN's Third Ocean Conference, included Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi and centered on boosting trade, aligning economic policies, and expanding environmental cooperation—especially in water conservation and biodiversity. Rashid urged joint efforts on climate goals and sustainable development. رئيس الجمهورية @LJRashid يلتقي جلالة الملك عبدالله الثاني ابن الحسين، على هامش مؤتمر الأمم المتحدة الثالث للمحيطات في مدينة نيس الفرنسية, ويبحثان تعزيز العلاقات بين البلدين الشقيقين وسبل تطويرها في المجالات كافة، وتوسيع التعاون والتبادل التجاري بما يخدم المصالح المشتركة للشعبين. — رئاسة جمهورية العراق (@IraqiPresidency) June 8, 2025 The leaders also discussed regional stability and reaffirmed support for Palestinian statehood, calling for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza. King Abdullah backed stronger Iraq-Jordan cooperation, urging implementation of resolutions from the recent Arab League summit in Baghdad.
Shafaq News
10 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's President in France for UN ocean summit
Shafaq News/ Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid arrived in France on Sunday to attend the United Nations Ocean Conference, where he is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron for high-level discussions. The conference brings together world leaders to address marine pollution, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of ocean resources. An Iraqi official familiar with the visit indicated that discussions with the French side are expected to focus on infrastructure initiatives, expanding environmental cooperation, and following up on previously signed agreements. Earlier today, President Rashid emphasized Iraq's interest in strengthening its partnership with France, reiterating a commitment to cooperation across political, environmental, and economic spheres. He also reaffirmed Baghdad's policy of neutrality in global affairs, pointing to strategic partnerships as a means to advance the country's economic reform agenda. The visit follows earlier discussions between Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who met in March to review the $17B Development Road project. The initiative aims to link Asia and Europe through Iraq, with the potential to generate up to one million jobs. Since 2023, Iraq and France have formalized a series of agreements spanning energy, defense, and transportation. Baghdad is currently preparing to host an Iraq–France business forum, an event designed to enhance private-sector ties and attract new investment.
