Latest news with #FarhadAlaaldin
Shafaq News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Ahead of Arab League Summit: Iraq calls for joint security coordination
Shafaq News/ Iraq's political leadership views the upcoming Arab League summit in Baghdad as a defining moment in the country's return to regional prominence, according to Farhad Alaaldin, political adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Farhad Alaaldin, political adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, told Shafaq News on Thursday that the summit marks a 'pivotal moment' for Iraq's return to the Arab diplomatic stage, revealing that Baghdad is proposing the formation of a joint Arab Security Coordination Room—a mechanism aimed at confronting shared threats, including terrorism, organized crime, and cross-border drug trafficking. 'This summit isn't just symbolic,' Alaaldin said. 'It's an opportunity to anchor Iraq as a hub for dialogue and as a serious contributor to regional stability.' Alaaldin noted that Iraq is backing its vision with initiatives, including specialized regional centers to combat transnational threats, framing the efforts as part of Baghdad's push to shift from being a theater of conflict to a center for solutions. Alongside security, Iraq is also promoting greater economic coordination among Arab states. Alaaldin said the summit is expected to boost investment channels and expand cooperation in energy and trade, positioning Iraq as a potential anchor in a more connected Arab economy.
Iraqi News
06-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Government Adviser: Arab Summit Will Strengthen Iraq's Role in Shaping Critical Regional Policy
Farhad Alaaldin, Foreign Relations Adviser to the Prime Minister, stated on Tuesday that Iraq's hosting of the upcoming Arab League Summit is a clear indicator of the country's improved political and security environment. He emphasized that the successful organization of the summit positions Iraq as a credible partner in promoting regional stability. Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Alaaldin said, 'The convening of the Arab Summit in Baghdad marks a turning point in Iraq's re-emergence as a key regional and Arab actor. It reflects the growing trust of Arab states in Iraq's ability to provide a safe and stable platform for dialogue and consensus.' He added that the summit would bolster Iraq's role in shaping policy and decision-making within the Arab League and would broaden its influence on critical regional issues, including security, economics, and energy. Alaaldin noted that Iraq's ability to host the summit successfully will enhance its image on the international stage, reinforcing its credibility as a stabilizing force in the region. He stressed that sustained security and stability are essential foundations for economic growth, investment, and long-term development. He concluded by saying that the Arab Summit in Baghdad is not merely a ceremonial event but a strategic milestone for rebuilding Iraq's regional influence, consolidating stability, and ushering in a new phase of sustainable development and geopolitical engagement.
Trade Arabia
10-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Iraq signs deal with GE Vernova for 24,000MW power projects
Iraq has signed an agreement with US energy firm GE Vernova for the setting up of combined-cycle gas power plants that will boast a total capacity of 24,000MW. The agreement was signed in the presence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani during a visit by a high-level US delegation comprising representatives from 60 private firms. The deal will pave way for the largest and most advanced electricity generation initiative in Iraq's history, said a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's office. It also includes provisions for securing external financing through major global banks, it added. With production currently standing at just 16,000MW, the energy ministry hopes to exceed 27,000MW this year. The deal also comes as Iraq seeks to diversify its energy sources away from dependence on its powerful neighbour Iran, reported AFP. The US administration has told Baghdad that it expects "rapid progress" in eliminating "all purchases of natural gas" from Iran. On March 8, Washington did not renew a waiver on sanctions that Iraq previously benefited from to purchase Iranian energy. "The Iraqi government has drawn up plans to guarantee its energy independence and meet the population's demand for stable, uninterrupted electricity," Farhad Alaaldin, the prime minister's advisor on foreign affairs, told AFP. The new partnership signed Wednesday "underscores the enduring relationship" between Baghdad and American companies, he said, adding that it is "capable of providing the expertise and services Iraq needs".
Al Arabiya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Iraq signs deal with US firm to produce 24,000 mw of electricity
Iraq on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with US energy firm GE Vernova to produce 24,000 megawatts of electricity, the government said, during a visit by an American trade delegation. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani oversaw 'the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding as part of a strategic cooperation framework with GE Vernova,' his office said in a statement. 'The MoU covers projects to establish combined-cycle gas power plants with a total capacity of approximately 24,000 megawatts,' it said. It marks 'the largest and most advanced electricity generation initiative in Iraq's history,' the statement said, adding that it 'also includes provisions for securing external financing through major global banks.' The signing comes at the conclusion of a visit to Iraq by a high-level US delegation comprising of representatives from 60 private firms. Despite sitting on large reserves of petrol and natural gas, decades of conflict and instability have ravaged Iraq's energy infrastructure. The country frequently suffers from long power cuts, particularly during the searing summer months, when temperatures often surpass 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). To avoid power cuts, Iraq needs to boost its energy grid with an additional 55,000 megawatts during peak hours. With production currently standing at just 16,000 megawatts, the energy ministry hopes to exceed 27,000 megawatts this year. The deal also comes as Iraq seeks to diversify its energy sources away from dependence on its powerful neighbor Iran. The US administration has told Baghdad that it expects 'rapid progress' in eliminating 'all purchases of natural gas' from Iran. On March 8, Washington did not renew a waiver on sanctions that Iraq previously benefited from to purchase Iranian energy. 'The Iraqi government has drawn up plans to guarantee its energy independence and meet the population's demand for stable, uninterrupted electricity,' Farhad Alaaldin, the prime minister's advisor on foreign affairs, told AFP. The new partnership signed Wednesday 'underscores the enduring relationship' between Baghdad and American companies, he said, adding that it is 'capable of providing the expertise and services Iraq needs.' 'Iraq is a land of opportunity for major companies to operate and invest in,' he said.
Iraqi News
09-04-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
US trade delegation of 60 companies visits Baghdad
Baghdad – A US trade delegation representing 60 companies was visiting Iraq to sign economic cooperation agreements with the private sector, Washington's embassy in Baghdad said Tuesday. The three-day visit, which began on Monday, comes amid fears of an international recession after US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on numerous countries, which included 39 percent duties on Iraqi imports. The US delegation consists of 101 members from 60 companies in the energy, technology and health sectors, who are set to meet with senior Iraqi officials and sign agreements, said an embassy statement to AFP. It is the largest US trade mission to Iraq in the more than 100-year history of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the embassy added. In a post on X, the US mission said that a 'pivotal memorandum of understanding to strengthen ties between the US and Iraqi private sectors' was signed on Monday between the US Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce. 'This partnership will foster long-term economic collaboration,' it said. According to the office of the US trade representative in Iraq, total goods trade with the oil-rich country reached $9.1 billion in 2024, with US exports amounting to $1.7 billion. US goods imports from Iraq totalled $7.4 billion. During the visit, Iraq is expected to sign a 'landmark agreement' with General Electric to develop a high-efficiency power plant, according to Farhad Alaaldin, foreign policy adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani. Last year, during Sudani's visit to Washington, Iraq and the United States signed several memoranda of understanding in the energy sector, including one with General Electric to ensure the maintenance of the Iraqi electricity grid. Iraq's power plants are currently highly dependent on gas imported from Iran, which provides about a third of its neighbour's energy needs. But Tehran has often cut supplies, exacerbating regular power outages. Baghdad has repeatedly stressed the need to diversify energy sources to reduce its dependence on Iran. Iraq has been trying to move past decades of war and unrest, including a sectarian struggle after the US-led invasion 2003 toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.
