Latest news with #StrategicFrameworkAgreement
Iraq Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
Musk's SpaceX Explores Entry into Iraqi Market
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with a delegation from U.S. tech giant SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp) to discuss cooperation in Iraq's communications sector. The talks covered the services provided by the company's Starlink satellite constellation, including its global satellite-based internet coverage, and explored opportunities to facilitate its entry into the Iraqi market. Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq's expanding urban and service development and said the country offers many promising investment opportunities. Reaffirming the importance of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, Al-Sudani instructed relevant authorities to ease regulatory procedures and support SpaceX's operational setup. He stressed that Iraq welcomes major American technology firms as partners in advancing the government's digital transformation strategy. The SpaceX delegation expressed readiness to launch operations in Iraq, stating that Starlink's services would accelerate digital transformation, improve communications, and promote economic development across public and private sectors. (Source: PMO)
Iraqi News
3 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Starlink visits Baghdad to explore Iraq partnership
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and a delegation from US-based Starlink discussed on Wednesday possible cooperation in the communication sector. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Al-Sudani underlined that Iraq currently offers several appealing investment prospects as the country grows rapidly and expands its urban and service sectors. Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq's strategic connection with the United States under the Strategic Framework Agreement and other bilateral agreements in the economic, scientific, and development sectors. Starlink is a satellite internet group managed by Starlink Services, LLC, an international telecommunications service and fully owned subsidiary of the US aerospace corporation SpaceX. The Iraqi prime minister directed the concerned authorities to investigate measures to facilitate SpaceX operations and accelerate the required processes. As part of the Iraqi government's transition to digital transformation, Al-Sudani encouraged big technology companies, particularly those based in the United States, to operate in Iraq and engage with the Iraqi private sector.
Shafaq News
7 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq seeks deeper US partnership
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met, on Saturday, with US Senators Angus King and James Lankford, reaffirming Iraq's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States. According to the PM's office, the talks focused on expanding cooperation under the Iraq–US Strategic Framework Agreement, with al-Sudani highlighting energy sector reforms and encouraging greater US investment in oil, gas, and infrastructure. He also discussed plans to transition Iraq's role within the US-led Global Coalition, shifting toward an 'advisory and capacity-building' phase for Iraqi security forces. In turn, the senators commended Iraq's 'successful hosting' of the Arab League and Arab Development summits, and expressed US support for reconstruction and long-term cooperation.
Rudaw Net
08-05-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Sudani, Erdogan discuss bilateral ties, sign 10 MoUs
Also in Turkey PKK to disarm, disband 'today or tomorrow': Erdogan Turkey's ruling party expects PKK dissolution, disarmament 'within days' Turkey will not allow Israel to drag Syria into another conflict: Erdogan Turkey's main opposition leader attacked in Istanbul A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani in Ankara on Thursday, where the two sides discussed overall bilateral relations and the implementation of agreements signed between the two countries last year. The two leaders additionally signed ten new agreements, defense industry collaboration and training within Iraq's interior ministry. Sudani's office reported that the Iraqi premier and the Turkish president 'reaffirmed their commitment to continuing joint efforts to strengthen cooperation.' The Iraqi prime minister was quoted as emphasizing 'the mutual desire to implement the outcomes of the Strategic Framework Agreement for Cooperation, which aims to enhance the two countries' ability to address common challenges.' The agreement, signed between Iraq and Turkey in April 2024, spans a wide range of areas including security, trade, infrastructure, water, and education. A key element of the Strategic Framework Agreement is enhanced security collaboration, particularly through the creation of a Joint Security Coordination Center in Baghdad and a Joint Training and Cooperation Center in northern Iraq. These facilities are intended to improve coordination on counterterrorism efforts, especially those targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). On the economic front, the agreement led to the formation of a Joint Economic Trade Committee, alongside several memoranda of understanding aimed at boosting trade, investment, and mutual economic interests. Among the most ambitious initiatives is the $17 billion Development Road Project - also known as the Dry Canal Project - which will connect southern Iraq to the Turkish border via a modern rail and road network. The Iraqi pemier was cited by his office on Thursday as highlighting the importance of the Development Road Project and 'its contributions to both international and regional economic integration, enhancing trade between Iraq and Turkey, and creating numerous opportunities for development.' Earlier in the day, Sudani also spoke to the state-run Turkish news agency about the key project, describing it as 'one of the most important projects in the Middle East' and 'a strategic project for the countries of the region, especially for Turkey.' "We want Iraqi-Turkish relations to be part of the regional stability equation," Sudani added. On the regional front, Sudani and Erdogan were quoted by the Iraqi premier's office as addressing 'key regional events and developments.' The two leaders 'condemned the ongoing [Israeli] aggression in Gaza and emphasized the alignment of Iraq and Turkey's positions on the matter.' In October 2023, the Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive offensive in Gaza that killed 52,000 people, mostly Palestinian civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Some 118,014 have also been wounded. Following 15 months of war, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire which went into effect in mid-January. However, on March 18, Israel launched new attacks on Gaza, killing more than 2,300 Palestinians and injuring more than 2500 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel says the offensive aims to secure the return of 59 hostages still held by Hamas. Since early March, Israel has barred all supplies - including food, water and medicine - from entering Gaza, to pressure Hamas to renegotiate the ceasefire. Sudani and Erdogan on Thursday underscored 'the importance of allowing humanitarian aid to enter and the complete withdrawal of occupying forces,' according to the Iraqi prime minister's office. In regard to Syria, the Iraqi premier and Turkish president 'reaffirmed their support for stability and political transition in Syria, assisting the Syrian people in their crisis, promoting national sovereignty, rejecting external interference in domestic affairs, and ensuring the protection of Syria's diversity and social pluralism.' Following a swift offensive, a coalition of opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa - on December 8 toppled the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. In late January, Sharaa was appointed as the country's interim president. While Turkey, a long-time backer of Syria's anti-Assad opposition, quickly emerged as a key ally of the new government in Damascus, Iraq adopted a more cautious approach. Upon his late January appointment, Syria's interim President, Sharaa, was congratulated by most Arab countries, while Iraq notably withheld its support. Baghdad's hesitation signaled caution in its approach to the new leadership in Damascus. Of note, Baghdad was a close ally of Assad. However, signs of a thaw have emerged in recent weeks, when Sudani met Sharaa in Qatar in mid-April. Ten days later, Iraq officially invited Sharaa attend the Arab League summit scheduled for May 17 in Baghdad. In another statement, Sudani's office confirmed that the Iraqi prime minister and Turkish president jointly presided over the signing of ten new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These included agreements on defense industry collaboration and the exchange of technical expertise, the establishment of procedures for the voluntary repatriation of Iraqi citizens currently residing in Turkey, and initiatives aimed at judicial cooperation and the joint fight against illicit drug trafficking. Additional MoUs were signed to enhance training and capacity-building efforts within Iraq's Ministry of Interior. The agreements also covered cooperation in disaster management, digital public relations, educational partnerships - including the opening of Turkish university branches in Iraq - and technical fields such as metrology and calibration.
Shafaq News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
US Lawmakers in Iraq to boost strategic alliance
Safaq News/ A high-level US congressional delegation met with both Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani in Baghdad on Sunday, in a series of meetings focused on enhancing bilateral ties under the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. In his meeting with the delegation, Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to its strategic partnership with Washington, calling the relationship 'beneficial to both friendly peoples.' He welcomed ongoing dialogue aimed at regional de-escalation and emphasized that Iraq supports 'all efforts aimed at reducing tensions and establishing security and stability.' The Prime Minister noted that Iraq is steadily moving toward reforms and comprehensive development, including preparations for upcoming legislative elections, which he described as a reaffirmation of the country's democratic path. Separately, the delegation held talks with Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, who stressed the importance of revitalizing the Strategic Framework Agreement, particularly in areas aimed at strengthening Iraq's economy and investing in non-oil sectors such as agriculture and industry. 'The Strategic Framework Agreement is the cornerstone of US-Iraqi relations,' Al-Mashhadani said, urging its implementation in a way that secures mutual interests. Al-Mashhadani also reiterated Iraq's firm position on supporting a ceasefire in Gaza and ending regional conflicts to promote peace and prosperity. The US delegation included Representatives Adam Smith (D), Michael Baumgartner (R), Sara Jacobs (D), George Whitesides (D), and Wesley Bell (D), accompanied by Acting US Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein and advisors from the House Armed Services Committee. The lawmakers praised Iraq's progress in development and reconstruction, describing Iraq as 'a key partner in the Middle East.' وفد من الكونغرس الأميركي يزور رئيس مجلس النواب ويؤكد على دعم الشراكة الاستراتيجية وتعزيز الاستقرار — مجلس النواب العراقي (@Parliament_iq) April 13, 2025
