Minister of Environment: Iraq is making steady progress towards fulfilling its climate commitments
Minister of Environment Helo Al-Askari affirmed on Wednesday that Iraq is making steady progress towards fulfilling its climate commitments in partnership with the international community.
A statement from the ministry, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "Minister of Environment Helo Al-Askari discussed with the Australian Ambassador to Baghdad, Glenn Miles, prospects for bilateral cooperation in confronting the challenges of climate change. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Ambassador Madeleine Somers, along with a number of climate specialists from the Australian Embassy."
The statement added that "during the meeting, the most prominent achievements within Iraq's National Climate Strategy were discussed, foremost among them the preparation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) plan and the completion of the National Adaptation Plan. The meeting also discussed the steps taken to monitor air pollution in Iraqi cities, especially the capital, Baghdad, and the transition to sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower."
According to the statement, Al-Askari affirmed that "Iraq is making steady progress toward implementing its climate commitments, in partnership with the international community," noting "the importance of cooperation with Australia in the areas of capacity building, technology transfer, and financing clean energy projects."
He noted that "preparations are underway for Iraq's participation in the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil."
For his part, the Australian ambassador praised "the achievements made in Iraq in the environment and climate file," stressing that "his country is closely following the advanced steps Iraq has taken in this field." He also reviewed some of Australia's successful experiences in the areas of sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and resource management, which could constitute a common ground for technical cooperation and exchange of expertise.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Shafaq News
Australia responds to Netanyahu after 'weak' jibe at PM
Shafaq News – Canberra On Wednesday, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attack on counterpart Anthony Albanese, saying strength is not measured by 'killing people.' Netanyahu had earlier branded Albanese a 'weak politician' who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jewish community, after Canberra announced it would recognize a Palestinian state. Speaking to ABC Radio National, Burke argued that Albanese showed strength by informing Netanyahu of the decision directly before making it public, allowing objections to be voiced 'person to person," while the Israeli PM 'lashed out' at governments recognizing Palestine. Ties between the two allies have soured over the Gaza war, worsening after Australia recognized Palestine last week. The dispute further intensified on August 18 when Canberra cancelled the visa of Simcha Rothman, a far-right Israeli lawmaker, citing concerns his tour aimed to 'spread division.' Hours later, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revoked visas for Australian diplomats accredited to the Palestinian Authority. Israel continues to face mounting criticism from international partners over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war, which has killed 62,064 and wounded 156,573 since October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Shafaq News
You betrayed Israel: Netanyahu assails Australian PM
Shafaq News - Middle East / Canberra On Tuesday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, of betraying Israel. 'History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews,' Netanyahu posted on X. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politicianwho betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 19, 2025 The remarks followed Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and bar entry to several Israeli figures, including far-right politician Simcha Rothman, who previously described children in Gaza as enemies. Israel retaliated by revoking the visas of three Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused Canberra of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media. החלטתי לשלול את אשרות השהיה של נציגי אוסטרליה לרשות הפלסטינית. הודעה בענין נמסרה לפני שעה קלה לשגריר אוסטרליה בישראל. בנוסף, הנחיתי את שגרירות ישראל בקנברה לבחון היטב כל בקשת אשרה רשמית אוסטרלית לכניסה לישראל. זאת, בעקבות החלטות אוסטרליה להכיר ב״מדינה פלסטינית״ וכן על רקע אי… — Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) August 18, 2025 Meanwhile, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), which describes itself as the peak body for the Australian-Jewish community, urged restraint. "Calm heads need to take control of the situation otherwise there will be a risk to some $2 billion in bilateral trade. There are real-life consequences here and we want to see the countries work through any issues before things get out of hand," ECAJ co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin remarked. The Prime Minister framed the recognition of Palestine as a defeat for Hamas because of its violent opposition to a two-state solution and desire to replace Israel with a Palestinian state from the river to the sea. He is right about Hamas's intentions but wrong about how they… — Alex Ryvchin (@AlexRyvchin) August 13, 2025 The diplomatic row comes as pressure mounts in Australia over the war in Gaza. More than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge last week demanding an end to the conflict. Gaza's Health Ministry has reported 62,004 dead and 156,230 wounded since October 7, 2023, with more than 10,000 still missing. It also said famine has killed 263 people, including 112 children. Government and UN assessments further estimated that 88% of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed. Losses are valued at more than $62 billion, while Israeli forces currently control about 77% of the territory.
Iraqi News
14-08-2025
- Iraqi News
Iraqi-Turkish agreement to increase trade exchange to $30 billion
Baghdad ( – Iraq and Turkey have agreed to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries to $30 billion. During a meeting held in the Turkish capital, Ankara, the two sides agreed to form an Iraqi-Turkish joint customs committee to develop trade relations and facilitate the movement of goods through border crossings, according to a statement cited by the state-run news agency (INA). To strengthen cooperation between the customs authorities of Iraq and Turkey, officials from both sides discussed strategies to enhance efficiency at border crossings and improve customs collaboration. As part of efforts to increase collaboration between the two countries' customs authorities, officials from both sides reviewed strategies for increasing border crossing efficiency and expanding customs cooperation. The meeting addressed approaches to improve trade flows, expand border crossings capacity, and promote infrastructure projects for bilateral commerce. The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, confirmed in January that the volume of trade exchange between Iraq and Turkey reached $20 billion. In a joint press conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Fidan said that Turkey sees its relationship with Iraq as crucial, indicating that Turkey will experience more security and stability the more Iraq does. The Turkish Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, said in early December that his country seeks to increase trade exchange with Iraq to $30 billion. Bolat added that Turkish companies and investors have completed projects in Iraq worth $35 billion.
