Al-Maliki: Holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is Evidence of Iraq's Commitment to its Role
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed on Wednesday that holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is evidence of Iraq's commitment to its role and obligations. He expressed his hope for Arab countries' solidarity in confronting challenges, avoiding problems and disputes.
In a speech on the occasion of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Maliki said, "Holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad once again proves that Iraq is a true and genuine partner with Arab leaders in confronting challenges." He added, "Holding the Arab Summit in Baghdad is evidence of Iraq's commitment to its role and obligations."
He added, "The Arab world is experiencing internal and external challenges, as it is an essential and vital part of the region and the world." He noted that "the challenges facing the region require such a summit, in which Arab leaders meet in their second homeland, Iraq, to confront developments and challenges."
He continued, "Iraq's hosting of the Arab Summit more than once proves that Iraq wants to contribute to addressing and interacting with the nation's affairs," expressing his hope that "the Arab countries participating in the summit will show solidarity in order to confront challenges, avoiding problems and disagreements."
"We hope that our Arab leaders will pay attention to the demands that will be presented at the Arab Summit. Meetings of the ministers of foreign affairs, reconstruction, and economy must be held so that the summit can bear its significant fruits, which shape the wills of the countries." Al-Maliki said.
He concluded, "We hope that the summit will be successful and effective, establishing a stage of communication and integration to confront the challenges facing all."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Chevron returns to Iraq with new oil development agreement
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq has signed a framework agreement with US energy major Chevron, marking the company's renewed presence in the country with plans to explore and develop new oil fields. The deal, signed in Baghdad between the Oil Ministry and Chevron, covers four exploration blocks in the southern Nasiriyah project as well as the development of the Balad oil field and additional prospects. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani attended the ceremony, considering the agreement reflects Iraq's new approach to attracting international companies. Al-Sudani stressed that his government is committed to improving the investment climate and highlighted Chevron's role in transferring technology, applying environmental standards, and supporting local communities. Chevron Vice President Frank Mount, who led the company's delegation, said Iraq offers major opportunities in both resources and workforce capacity, affirming Chevron's plan to establish a long-term partnership, citing the country's improved security conditions and the company's ability to bring advanced technologies. In 2021, Iraq's National Oil Company was authorized to negotiate with Chevron over projects in Nasiriyah, in the southern province of Dhi Qar. At the time, officials said the development plan aimed to reach an initial production capacity of 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day within seven years. The latest signing is among the most visible US oil investments in Iraq in recent years, as Baghdad seeks to diversify partners and accelerate development of untapped reserves. It follows other recent agreements with American energy firms. In July, Iraq signed a contract with SLB (formerly Schlumberger) to expand gas production at the Akkas field, targeting 100 million standard cubic feet per day. Earlier this year, Al-Sudani also held talks with Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli on expanding energy technology projects. Iraq has also secured multi-billion-dollar deals with other oil majors in the past two years, reversing a period of retreat. New terms have lured companies such as France's TotalEnergies and the UK's BP, whose combined investments exceed $50 billion. Prime Minister @Mohamedshia oversaw the signing ceremony of a Heads of Agreement between the Ministry of Oil and the American company @Chevron regarding the Nasiriyah Project, which includes four exploration blocks, as well as the development of the Balad oil field, along with… — المكتب الإعلامي لرئيس الوزراء 🇮🇶 (@IraqiPMO) August 19, 2025
Iraqi News
14 hours ago
- Iraqi News
Public sector salaries a massive fiscal burden as 10.5 million Iraqis depend on state
Baghdad ( – More than 10.5 million Iraqi citizens, representing approximately a quarter of the nation's total population, receive a monthly salary from the state, according to a new report from the Parliamentary Finance Committee. This dependency on state payrolls places a massive fiscal burden on the government, raising concerns about long-term economic sustainability. Moein Al-Kazemi, a member of the committee, stated that the Ministry of Finance secures 8 trillion Iraqi Dinars monthly to cover the salaries of government employees, retirees, and social protection network beneficiaries. The report provided a detailed breakdown of the total beneficiaries: Over 4.2 million are government employees. More than 3 million are retirees. Over 3 million are beneficiaries of the social protection network. This ratio of state-dependent citizens is among the highest in the world, far exceeding that of many other countries. For comparison, a significantly smaller percentage of the population is employed in the public sector in countries like the United States (around 13-15%) and the United Kingdom (around 22-23%), while in many developing countries, the percentage is often below 10%. The sheer size of Iraq's public payroll is an outsized burden on the national budget, diverting critical funds from much-needed capital investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Al-Kazemi confirmed that these payments are fully secured until the end of the current year, backed by the country's monthly oil revenues, which exceed $6 billion. However, this reliance on a single, volatile source of income to sustain such a massive public payroll leaves the Iraqi economy highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and external shocks.
Iraqi News
15 hours ago
- Iraqi News
Chevron returns to Iraq with new oil agreement backed by Baghdad
Baghdad ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani attended the signing of a principles agreement between the Ministry of Oil and U.S. energy company Chevron. The agreement covers the Nasiriyah Project, which includes four exploration blocks for the Nasiriyah project, development of the Balad oil field in central Iraq, and other potential fields and projects. In Baghdad, Al-Sudani met with Chevron Vice President Frank Mount and his delegation, welcoming the company's return to Iraq. Al-Sudani emphasized the government's new approach to working with major international oil firms, particularly American companies, citing Chevron's role in technology transfer, job creation, and environmental standards. The agreement reflects Iraq's aim to reinforce its strategic partnership with the United States while advancing investment in oil production, refining, and gas utilization.
