Latest news with #EconomyandTrade
Libyan Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Ministers resign as protests intensify in Tripoli
Ministers resign as protests escalate against Libya's unity government Four ministers have resigned from Libya's Government of National Unity amid ongoing protests in Tripoli calling for Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah to step down. Ramadan Bujanah, the second deputy to Prime Minister Dbeibah and acting Health Minister, announced his resignation and stated he supports 'the Libyan people and their legitimate demands,' local media outlets report. Other officials who have submitted resignations include Economy and Trade Minister Mohammed al-Huwaij, Local Government Minister Badr al-Tumi, and Housing and Construction Minister Abu Bakr al-Ghawi. The ministerial departures come as demonstrations continue in Tripoli and other western Libyan cities, with participants demanding the dissolution of the current administration and establishment of a new unified government. Protests resumed Friday evening following a period of violence earlier in the week. The capital experienced relative calm Thursday night, allowing Mitiga International Airport to reopen with Turkish Airlines resuming scheduled service Friday morning. An official from the Interior Ministry stated: 'Over the past 24 hours, no clashes were observed. It was the first night since Monday that residents could sleep without hearing explosions or gunfire.' The recent conflict began Monday when the 444th Brigade, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, conducted an operation against the Stability Support Apparatus. This resulted in the death of Abdulghani al-Kikli, who had been a significant militia leader in Tripoli since 2011. Additional fighting occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday involving the 444th Brigade and the Deterrence Force, which is connected to the Presidential Council. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and engage in dialogue, noting that at least eight civilians have been killed in the recent violence.
Iraq Business
14-05-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraq Assumes Presidency of Economic and Social Council
By John Lee. Iraq has assumed the presidency of the Economic and Social Council at the ministerial-level meeting in Baghdad, part of the preparations for the Fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. The outgoing president, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amir Bisat, expressed confidence in Iraq's leadership. Taking over the presidency, Iraq's Minister of Trade, Mr. Athir Dawood Salman [Atheer Dawood Al-Ghurairi], emphasised the need for greater collective Arab efforts to build a resilient economy. The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, congratulated Iraq and stressed the importance of a unified Arab vision for economic integration. Full statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The ministerial-level meeting of the Economic and Social Council, launched in Baghdad, as part of the preparations for the Fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. The session opened with a speech by Mr. Amir Bisat, Minister of Economy and Trade of the Lebanese Republic and President of the Council's previous session. He highlighted key accomplishments achieved during Lebanon's tenure and underscored the importance of continued joint Arab action in addressing the region's pressing challenges. Minister Bisat officially handed over the presidency of the Council to the Republic of Iraq, expressing appreciation for Iraq's steadfast support of Arab causes, particularly its solidarity with Lebanon during times of hardship. He also conveyed his confidence in Iraq's ability to lead the Council with competence and ability. The Minister of Trade Mr. Athir Dawood Salman assumed the presidency of the current session and welcomed the participating Arab delegations to "Baghdad of Peace" and commended Lebanon for its constructive leadership in the previous session. In his remarks, Minister Salman emphasized that "the Arab nation stands at a historic juncture that calls for deepened collective efforts and greater self-reliance to build a robust and productive Arab economy capable of overcoming regional and global challenges." Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit congratulated Iraq on assuming the presidency and extended his best wishes for a successful term. He noted the rapid transformations taking place across the Arab economy and stressed the need for a unified Arab vision that promotes regional integration and market stability. Secretary-General Aboul Gheit also highlighted Iraq's positive trajectory and affirmed that the summit's agenda will focus on the region's most pressing economic and developmental priorities. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Iraqi News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Lebanon: Opening a new page of investment, trade rapprochement with Iraq
INA – BAGHDAD Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade, Amer Bisat, affirmed on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the meeting of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab Summit, that efforts are underway to activate the joint committee between Iraq and Lebanon as well as open a new page of trade rapprochement between the two countries. The Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade told the Iraqi News Agency - INA: "His country is working to activate the joint trade committee with Iraq and open a new page of investment and rapprochement between the two countries." He added, "Iraq has always been a supporter of Lebanon in all circumstances and has never stopped assisting the Lebanese people in the most difficult circumstances." "Cooperation with Iraq is witnessing new horizons today at the level of the private and government sectors, and we will work to activate the joint trade committee within the next few weeks," he pointed out. In a related context, the Director General of Economy and Trade at the Lebanese Ministry of Economy and Trade, Muhammad Abu Haidar, addressed the most important issues presented on the agenda of the development summit on Tuesday, noting that Lebanon is actively participating in discussing projects that concern the future of the region. Abu Haidar told INA: "There were many proposals from the Arabs presented during the Economic and Social Council, all of which are of high importance and aim to stimulate growth in light of the challenges facing the region in general." "All officials demonstrated seriousness and interest during the discussion of economic and social issues," he said, adding that "Lebanon remains committed to its Arab affiliation," expressing his thanks to "the Arab countries, especially Iraq, for their continued support." Regarding the Economic and Social Development Summit, Abu Haidar pointed to "the presence of projects related to sustainable development, artificial intelligence, technological development, water resources, school health, and activities aimed at stimulating economic growth." He indicated that "these topics are currently under study in preparation for submitting them to the summit, which will be attended by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salameh."
Iraqi News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
The Preparatory Meeting of Arab Economic and Social Council Convenes
Baghdad-INA The Arab Economic and Social Council at the ministerial level convened today, Tuesday, a preparatory meeting for the Fifth Session of the Arab Development, Economic, and Social Summit in Baghdad. The correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency-INA said 'The meeting is being held at the ministerial level of participating countries in preparation for the Fifth Session of the Arab Development Summit in Baghdad'. The proceedings of the opening session include an address by the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Lebanese Republic, Amer Bisat, representing the presidency of the previous session of the Development Organization; an address by the Minister of Trade, Atheer Dawood Salman, representing the presidency of the current summit session; and an address by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. The closed working session will include the adoption of the draft agenda for the Development Summit, discussion of its items, followed by a luncheon session and then the closed concluding session, which will include the adoption of draft resolutions. It is noteworthy that the Economic and Social Council at the level of senior officials, which held its session on Monday, approved a set of recommendations that were submitted to today's ministerial preparatory meeting, in preparation for the Development Summit scheduled to be held on May 17.
Iraqi News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Arab League Chief Aboul Gheit arrives in Baghdad for Economic and Social Council meeting
Baghdad-INA Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit arrived in Baghdad on Tuesday to attend the meeting of the Economic and Social Council, held in preparation for the Arab Development Summit. 'The agenda of the opening session will include remarks from Lebanon's Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, representing the previous summit presidency, Iraq's Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman representing the current presidency, and Secretary-General Aboul Gheit,' according to the correspondent of The Iraqi News Agency-INA. The closed session will focus on finalizing the draft agenda for the Development Summit, followed by a discussion of its key points. And then a final closed session where the draft resolutions will be approved.
