Latest news with #Hitchen
Iraqi News
17-02-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
UK Ambassador: Optimistic about Iraq's Future
The UK Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Charles Hitchen, confirmed on Monday that Iraq is a country of opportunities and investments, expressing his optimism about the future of Iraq, for the creativity, courage, dignity and endurance of the Iraqi people. "My mission will end in two weeks, and it is natural for us to start thinking about what conclusions we can offer and share with you several ideas after a beautiful experience with you in Iraq. I am optimistic about the future of your country and the source of optimism is the creativity, courage, dignity and endurance of the Iraqi people," Hitchen said, in a speech during the economic conference of the Iraqi-British Business Council - attended by the Iraqi News Agency - INA reporter.
Shafaq News
29-01-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
UK Ambassador to Iraq urges 'swift' government formation
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, British Ambassador to Baghdad, Stephen Hitchen, urged the 'swift' formation of Iraq's government immediately after the upcoming elections. During the Iraq Energy 2025 Conference in Baghdad, Hitchen warned that prolonged political negotiations—similar to those that led to the formation of the current government—would hinder the completion of key projects and 'undermine the country's reputation.' On the security front, the ambassador acknowledged that some British, European, and Western companies have exercised caution regarding Iraq due to the security situation. However, he emphasized that Iraq's security environment is improving, with the situation in 2025 significantly better than in previous years. He also noted that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's government is operating within a legal framework. Regarding Al-Sudani's last visit to London, he pointed out that several agreements were signed for major projects worth £12 billion, describing the amount as substantial. Hitchen further voiced support for the Prime Minister's ambition to achieve energy independence in the coming years, stressing joint efforts to implement a plan to end gas flaring in Iraq. Acknowledging that ending gas flaring would take several years, the UK ambassador stressed the importance of setting a clear timeframe for completing the plan, pointing out that revenues from gas could be allocated to sectors such as education and healthcare.
