Latest news with #BaghdadSummit
Iraqi News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
President Rashid: Baghdad Summit Decisions Reflect Iraq's Effort to Consolidate Joint Action
Baghdad-INA President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid confirmed on Sunday that the Baghdad Summit decisions reflected Iraq's commitment to consolidating joint action and addressing the challenges facing the countries of the region. A statement from the Presidency of the Republic received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) stated that "President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid received today Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein." "The meeting discussed political and security developments in the region and the importance of strengthening relations at the regional and international levels." Rashid affirmed, according to the statement, that "the Baghdad Summit decisions reflected Iraq's commitment to consolidating joint action and addressing the challenges facing the countries of the region, in a manner that enhances solidarity and integration to support the Palestinian cause and other Arab issues." "The Foreign Minister appreciated the President's support for holding the summit in Baghdad and reviewed the mechanisms for implementing the summit's outcomes, which will strengthen Iraq's international relations."
Iraqi News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
The Cabinet holds the 20th regular session, decisions included
The Cabinet held the 20th regular session on Tuesday chaired by PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani, issuing several decisions and discussing the latest developments in the country alongside several files within the government's strategic plans. The Prime Minister spoke about the achievement of one of the government's most important milestones, hosting the Arab Summit and the Development Summit in Baghdad, according to the PM's media office statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. "The summits conveyed Iraq's true image as a contributor to finding regional solutions and emphasized Baghdad's capability to play a political role befitting its stature," he affirmed. He expressed appreciation to all state institutions, media outlets, both local and international, that covered the events, and to the Iraqi people for their awareness and patriotism. The Prime Minister further stated that the Baghdad Summit followed a scientific approach in presenting and adopting topics and initiatives, with Iraq submitting 18 initiatives. "The successful outcomes of the summit were reflected in the final communiqué titled the 'Baghdad Declaration.' "The projects completed in conjunction with the summit will remain, and Baghdad will witness the launch of Phase Two of the 'More Beautiful Baghdad' project initiated in 2023." The Cabinet proceeded to discuss its agenda items. Regarding informal housing, the Cabinet approved an amendment to its Decision No. (23107 of 2023) concerning the conversion of land from agricultural to residential use. The amendment includes forming a technical committee chaired by the Ministry of Construction and Housing, with members from the relevant governorate, municipality, State Properties Directorate, and Department of Agriculture. The committee will verify that the informal housing areas were established before Decision No. (320 of 2022), based on aerial imagery or field visits. The committee will also compile lists of housing occupants, lot sizes, and unit boundaries, and identify land ownership based on master plans. The work is to be completed within 90 days for submission to the Prime Minister. In celebration of the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holiday, the Cabinet approved a grant of 100,000 dinars for orphans who lost both parents and are registered under the social protection network. The number of beneficiaries is 5,832. The Cabinet also approved the formation of a committee headed by a representative of the Federal Board of Supreme Audit and members from the Ministry of Finance's Accounting Department, Rafidain and Rasheed Banks, and the Ministry of Planning. The committee will develop practical solutions to implement the Treasury Single Account system and submit recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Cabinet approved the Bill of Mukhtars, referring it to the Parliament under the Constitution. The monthly compensation was set at 350,000 dinars. In the energy sector, the Cabinet authorized the Ministry of Electricity to directly contract, bypassing regular procurement rules, to purchase power on a take-and-pay basis (excluding fuel costs) for one year starting June 1, 2025. The Cabinet approved the Amendment Bill to the Law on the Authentication of Iraqi and Foreign Signatures and Documents (No. 52 of 1970), referred to the Parliament, taking into account legal department notes. In the area of anti-corruption, the Cabinet approved the 2024 Annual Report of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Council, in line with Law No. (39 of 2015), and emphasized the continued coordination with oversight bodies. In customs reform, the Cabinet amended its previous Decision No. (23037 and 23185) to include the creation of a new unit within the customs authority focused on auditing exemption records, in line with the Administrative Structures Act No. (12 of 2011). As part of efforts to complete stalled infrastructure projects, the Cabinet approved the following: 1. Increased contingency funding and total cost for the Low-Income Housing Complex Project (192 units) in Al-Multaqa Subdistrict, Kirkuk. 2. Increased contingency funding and total cost for the Specialized University Hospital Project in Basra. 3. Increased cost for the Desalination Plant Project in Basra, and instructed the Ministry of Finance to include the project in the governorate's 2025 development plan. Concerning the Federal Service Council, the Cabinet amended its earlier Decision No. (24940) to allow the newly nominated Chair and Members of the Federal Service Council to assume their roles in an acting capacity until the Parliament approves them, due to the expiration of the current council's term. The Cabinet also issued the following decisions: • Approved the Second Amendment to the Civil Airports Fees System (No. 6 of 2018), by the Civil Aviation Law (No. 148 of 1974). • Approved holding an International Conference on Al-Hol Camp, to be funded from the allocations of the Office of the National Security Advisor. • Ratified the recommendations of the Baghdad Economic City Meeting, as submitted by the National Investment Commission. • Issued the system establishing the National Authority for Nuclear, Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Oversight, and defined its tasks, based on Law No. (1 of 2024). • Approved the Bill on the Management of Solid Municipal Waste, reviewed by the State Council, and referred it to the Parliament.
LBCI
19-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Lebanese President meets Arab League chief in Cairo, reviews Baghdad Summit outcomes
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, where Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit received him. The meeting focused on the outcomes of the recent Baghdad Summit, with particular emphasis on the decision to establish a regional Recovery Fund. Aoun's visit to the League is part of his broader diplomatic engagements in Egypt, including discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on regional cooperation, Lebanon's internal challenges, and broader Arab solidarity.
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Algeria Between Deepening Isolation and Escalation without Prospects
Algeria is going through a sensitive diplomatic phase, one marked by escalating tensions with numerous regional and global actors. At times, this diplomatic escalation appears aimed at deflecting attention from mounting domestic crises, reflecting the Algerian regime's attempts to shift focus toward external issues, away from the economic and social challenges facing the Algerian population. In this context, Algeria's role in regional crises is becoming increasingly prominent, with tensions involving countries such as the UAE, France, the Sahel states, and Morocco standing out as key indicators of the challenges confronting Algerian foreign policy. The Algeria–UAE Escalation threatens the unity of the Arab Summit The Algerian diplomatic campaign against the UAE constitutes a serious and unconventional escalation in relations between the two countries, particularly after the attack on the UAE was launched in the opening editorial of Algeria's state television, following a statement by an Algerian historian regarding the relationship between the Amazigh and France. This escalation was not a direct response to the UAE but rather to a cultural and historical comment that was not directly related to Algerian politics. The matter could have been addressed through a traditional approach, such as an official statement or governmental clarification, but the Algerian regime chose to escalate the issue through official media channels. This move may reflect an attempt by the Algerian regime to divert attention away from the economic and social crises it is facing, particularly amid mounting public pressure and growing domestic demands for genuine reforms. Moreover, this escalation reflects a diplomatic tension occurring at a time when other regional players, such as Morocco, are strengthening their influence in the region, highlighting a clear decline in Algeria's regional sway. Notably, Algeria's escalation against the United Arab Emirates coincided with Iraq's preparations to host the Arab Summit on May 17. The Algerian diplomatic campaign was preceded by an online campaign led by activists on social media under the hashtag #Teboune_DoN't_Travel_to_Iraq. Some interpreted this as a signal that the Algerian president may excuse himself from attending the summit and instead send a representative in his place. They argued that the escalating crisis between Algeria and the UAE was likely to have negative repercussions on the then upcoming Baghdad Summit. Amid sharp diplomatic rhetoric and public exchanges of accusations, they suggested, Algeria may choose to reduce its level of representation at the summit or even abstain from participating altogether. Similarly, the UAE may take comparable steps or downgrade its representation in protest against Algeria's campaign. Even if both parties chose to attend the summit at some level, the overall atmosphere of the summit stood to be fraught with tension, making it difficult to envision constructive discussions on shared regional issues. Some actors could have even exploited the summit to fuel divisions or attempt mediation efforts, potentially diverting the agenda from key issues — particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza. Algeria and the conspiracy narrative after the Hirak Since the popular Hirak movement, in which the masses demanded the departure of the ruling elite viewed as an extension of the former regime led by the late Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Algeria has adhered to a conspiracy narrative. This strategy has largely been deployed as a way of explaining away the internal and external crises the current regime faces, consistently placing blame on foreign and domestic actors allegedly seeking to destabilize the country. As a result, Algerian-French relations have recently experienced sharp fluctuations due to the accumulation of disagreements over historical memory issues, the migration file, and security cooperation. The crisis between the two countries has reached a stage of mutual expulsion of diplomats, reflecting the failure of coordination and weakened mutual trust. This diplomatic tension is merely an attempt by Algeria to divert the local public's attention to external issues, away from its escalating internal problems. Instead of addressing the economic challenges Algeria faces, the Algerian regime has chosen to escalate tensions with a country that was, until recently, considered a friend. This further isolates Algeria on the international stage and puts its interests at risk at a time when it needs more economic and diplomatic cooperation. The Algerian regime did not stop at escalating its crisis with France but also created another crisis with the Sahel countries such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which represents another turning point in Algeria's foreign policy. This escalation began after these countries decided to recall their ambassadors from Algeria, accusing it of downing a drone belonging to the Malian military. Such developments put Algeria in a defensive position, where it tried to justify its actions by claiming a 'violation of airspace,' but this did not prevent the rising accusations against it. Algeria also closed its airspace to these countries, further complicating relations between Algeria and the Sahel countries. Morocco expands its influence, while Algeria loses its luster These tensions come at a time when regional and international interventions in the area are increasing, with the Sahel countries beginning to view Morocco as a regional partner capable of playing an active role in enhancing cooperation and joint development. In this context, Algeria appears to be in a less influential position compared to Morocco, which is building new relationships that strengthen its development and diplomatic strategies in the region. As for the crisis between Algeria and its neighbor Morocco, it is no less complicated, as the issue of Western Sahara remains the main cause of the ongoing tensions between the two countries. Algeria continues to adopt hostile stances through diplomatic tools aimed at hindering Morocco's progress in its regional and international efforts. Algeria exploits this lingering Sahara dispute to promote its positions on the international stage, despite the regional and international developments showing a shift in the balance of power in favor of Morocco. In particular, despite Algeria's relentless efforts to undermine or slow down the increasingly pro-Moroccan momentum on the Sahara question, the past few months and years have seen a steep increase in the number of countries that have either opened a consulate in the region, endorsed Morocco's Autonomy Plan, or spoken emphatically in support for Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. When a country stumbles in the race for influence, the game doesn't stop; instead, others rise to the forefront. In this way, Morocco has continued to strengthen its role in the region through quiet diplomacy, balancing its political messages and actively participating in new regional alliances. It not only manages the Sahara issue but also works on developing development projects that benefit the Sahel countries and North Africa as a whole. This contrasts with Algeria, which finds itself trapped in positions that fail to reflect the changing regional realities. Overall, Algeria is undergoing a sensitive phase of diplomatic tensions that intersect with both its internal and external crises. The escalation with the UAE, France, the Sahel countries, and Morocco is not only a reflection of regional issues but also ongoing attempts to divert attention from the internal challenges faced by the Algerian regime. This policy could further isolate Algeria on the international stage at a time when economic and social challenges within the country are intensifying. It is crucial for Algeria to reconsider its foreign and domestic policies in an effort to restore balance and seek ways to cooperate and integrate with its neighbors and international partners, ensuring the restoration of its long lost prestige and faltering regional and international standing. Tags: AlgeriaAlgerian regime
Iraqi News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
France congratulates Iraq on a successful plan for the Baghdad Summit
France congratulated Iraq on Monday on the success of the organizational plan for the Baghdad Summit. The Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, received the Commander of Air Defense and Air Operations in the French Army, Lieutenant General Laurent Rataud, at the command headquarters in Baghdad, accompanied by the French military attaché in Baghdad, according to a statement by the Security Media Cell - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. During the meeting, aspects of military cooperation between the two sides were reviewed, with Al-Muhammadawi providing a comprehensive briefing on the nature of the work of the Joint Operations Command and the efforts made to enhance security and stability. Al-Muhammadawi praised "the effective role played by France in supporting Iraq in its war against terrorism and the significant contribution in the fields of training and armament." "The security situation in Iraq today is witnessing remarkable stability, thanks to the sacrifices of the security forces, the continuous development of armament capabilities, and the increase in capabilities and resources, which have contributed to consolidating security and creating a stable and sustainable environment," said the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations. In turn, Lieutenant General Rato expressed his thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome, congratulating Lieutenant General Al-Muhammadawi on the success of the organizational plan for the Baghdad Summit and appreciating the great efforts made by the Joint Operations Command. Lieutenant General Rato praised "the remarkable development in the capabilities of the Iraqi security and military forces, considering it a qualitative leap in the process of building the Iraqi military institution."
