Latest news with #MuhammedS.Al-Sudani
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
The Cabinets hold the 21st regular session, decisions included
The Cabinet held the 21st regular session on Tuesday chaired by PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani during which the latest developments and public affairs in the country were reviewed, along with several important files and issues. The Cabinet approved the recommendations of Diwani Order Committee No. 7 of 2025 concerning the violations documented in the investigation report of the Federal Commission of Integrity, dated July 4, 2024, related to the railway investment file and associated contracts, according to a statement by the PM's Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. Based on the committee's findings, the Cabinet decided to dismiss the following officials for failing to fulfill their assigned duties: • Yaqoub Hussein Salem, Director General of the Legal Department at the Ministry of Transportation. • Abbas Nasser Majid, Director General of the Contracts and Licensing Department at the Ministry of Transportation. The report was also referred to the Federal Commission of Integrity to complete the legal procedures before the court. The Cabinet approved allowing the PM's Office to proceed with implementing the projects under Phase Two of the 'More Beautiful Baghdad' campaign, taking into account the comments presented during the session, which were approved by the Prime Minister. In the electricity sector, the Cabinet amended its Decision No. (346 of 2025), to approve contracting with the Turkish company as part of the Iraqi-Turkish power line 400 kV, for one year. The Ministry of Finance will provide the necessary allocations to ensure electricity supply to the northern region. The contract will be renegotiated after October 1, 2025, by a committee comprising representatives from the PM's Office, the Ministry of Electricity, and company KBR. The Cabinet also approved the continuation of solar energy projects, as follows: 1. Approval of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Electricity and UGT RENEWABLES to develop an integrated solar power project. The Ministries of Planning and Finance are to include the projects in line with national priorities and allocate the necessary funding. The Minister of Electricity was granted the required authority to proceed. 2. Approval of the Ministerial Council for Energy's recommendation regarding pricing and development costs for the 1000 MW Artawi Solar Power Plant project with TotalEnergies, as it is considered a strategic clean energy project. The Ministry of Oil is to fulfill its payment obligations under the signed power purchase agreements. The Director General of the State Company for Southern Electricity Production is authorized to sign the contract addendum with the French company. In the context of completing infrastructure and stalled projects, the Cabinet approved the following: 1. Increase the total cost for the Al-Husseiniya Concrete Bridge over the Tigris River project. 2. Increase the total cost and contingency amount for the two-way entrance of Al-Ahrar and Al-Ahrar Bridge project (Kut–Baghdad road). 3. Add a component for completing the Basra Provincial Council Building and increase the cost value of the main project. 4. Increase the total cost value for two Basra projects: infrastructure for 17 central districts, and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the Oil Housing area behind the Oil Cultural Center. 5. Increase the cost value of the Ninawa Ring Road Project and the Seventh Bridge. The Cabinet also reviewed border crossings and amended Decision No. (24187 of 2024), as modified by Decision No. (24266 of 2024), to exempt contracts related to Zurbatiya Border Crossing from procurement regulations, enabling the execution to proceed by transferring responsibilities from the main contractor to the subcontractor. The Cabinet approved a request by the Ministry of Health to lift the ban on importing electronic cigarettes, electronic hookahs, and tobacco products, subject to compliance with the Anti-Smoking Law (No. 19 of 2012). The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control will issue relevant technical standards, the Iraqi Customs Authority will price these goods for customs duties, and commercial attachés abroad will authenticate certificates of origin and invoices for such goods for integration into the national system, thereby eliminating the need for secondary verification. Additional decisions made by the Cabinet include: 1. Amending Decision No. (245 of 2019) to authorize branch directors of the State Properties Department in the provinces to allocate Ministry of Finance-owned land and sign investment contracts after obtaining ministerial approval. 2. Approving the payment of $1 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from the 2025 foreign contributions budget. In the field of international cooperation and peaceful nuclear energy, the Cabinet authorized the Chairman of the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission to negotiate and sign a draft cooperation agreement between Iraq and the Russian Federation on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, by the Constitution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to prepare the necessary documents for approval by the Prime Minister.
Iraqi News
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
PM: The Arab and Development Summits reflected Iraq's strength and role
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani met on Saturday a delegation of Arab media professionals who participated in the 4th Arab Media Conference, held in Baghdad last week. Al-Sudani emphasized "the essential role of responsible and objective media in conveying facts to the public, especially concerning confronting challenges." "Iraq is witnessing a qualitative shift across various aspects of life, public services, and development," he noted. He also highlighted "the country's substantial efforts in launching strategic projects aimed at strengthening the national economy and achieving comprehensive integration, alongside ongoing infrastructure development and sustainable growth across all sectors." "These advancements reaffirm Iraq's central and leading role in the region and its expanding engagement on the global stage," he pointed out, stressing that "the outcomes of both the Arab Summit and the Arab Development Summit, recently held in Baghdad, reflected Iraq's strength and its capacity to shape regional and international solutions." Al-Sudani underscored "Iraq's growing stature serves as a pillar of strength for the Arab world, promoting regional stability, development, and shared interests, while expanding opportunities for deeper integration with neighboring Arab nations." PM Al-Sudani paid "solemn tribute to the martyrs of the press who lost their lives during the aggression on Gaza and southern Lebanon," honoring "the sacrifices they made in exposing the suffering of the Palestinian people and bringing to light the crimes of genocide committed against them." In turn, the visiting Arab media delegation extended its "congratulations to the Prime Minister on the successful hosting of the two summits in Baghdad, " commending "the rapid progress Iraq is achieving across multiple sectors." They praised the country's ongoing reconstruction and development drive, describing it as a 'transformative chapter' in Iraq's modern journey.
Iraqi News
24-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Al-Sudani: The government took decisive steps in the oil and gas sector
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani met on Saturday with U.S. Senators Angus King and James Lankford, along with their accompanying delegation. Al-Sudani emphasized "the importance of bilateral relations with the United States and Iraq's aspiration to further develop and strengthen them across various fields, particularly in the sectors of economy, energy, investment, and culture, within the Iraq-US Strategic Framework Agreement." He referred to Iraq's relationship with the International Coalition in light of ongoing discussions regarding "the transition to a new phase of security cooperation focused on advising and capacity-building for Iraqi security forces." "There is a notable stability in Iraq, which has positively impacted the country's economic and developmental landscape," he added. He affirmed that the government has taken decisive steps in the oil and gas sector, as it achieved significant progress that will enhance cooperation and investment with the US companies in this field. The delegation members congratulated Al-Sudani on Iraq's successful hosting of the Arab Summit and the Development Summit as well as the country's growing role in contributing to regional stability. They expressed admiration for "Iraq's notable progress in construction and development, as well as the government's success across various areas." The U.S. senators showed their interest in strengthening cooperation between the two countries across all sectors.
Iraqi News
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
PM: Intensified efforts and prevent the misuse of state resources in elections
PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani met on Saturday with the Chairman of the Commission of Integrity, Muhammed Ali Al-Lami. The meeting reviewed the Commission of Integrity's procedures for monitoring the integrity of the election process and preventing the misuse of state resources to ensure that the results genuinely reflect the will of the Iraqi people, according to a statement by the PM Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. Al-Sudani emphasized the need "to intensify efforts and affirmed that no political party should be permitted to exploit state resources for election purposes." He called for "enhanced cooperation and coordination between the Commission of Integrity, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, and the Independent High Electoral Commission to guarantee transparency and integrity in the upcoming elections." The Chairman of the Commission of Integrity noted that "a comprehensive study had been prepared and that specialized teams had been formed to prevent the exploitation of state resources during the election race and to ensure fair competition among all candidates."
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.
