President of the Republic: Iraq possesses enormous wealth that must be invested in supporting its economy in the best possible way.
President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, stressed, on Sunday, that Iraq possesses enormous and diverse wealth that must be invested in supporting its economy in the best possible way.
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A presidential statement said that "President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received at the Baghdad Palace, Minister of Industry and Minerals, Khaled Battal Al-Najm."
The President pointed out during the meeting that "Iraq possesses enormous and diverse wealth that must be invested in supporting the Iraqi economy in the best possible way."
The President of the Republic stressed "the importance of this in developing local industry and strengthening the economic situation," noting "the necessity of encouraging and supporting the private sector to contribute alongside the public sector in achieving sustainable development in the country."
For his part, Minister Al-Najm reviewed "the work of the ministry and the projects currently being implemented, in addition to its plans to strengthen the industrial sector in Iraq," expressing "his appreciation for the President's interest and valuable directives."
The statement explained that "the meeting discussed strategic plans aimed at encouraging the work of factories and plants to meet the needs of the local market."
Iran announces resumption of talks with Washington next week
Iranian television reported that the indirect talks between Iran and the United States have concluded as scheduled and will continue next week.
The second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States began this Saturday afternoon at the Omani embassy in Rome.
The US delegation is led by Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, while the Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
It is noteworthy that the first round of these negotiations was held last Saturday, April 12, in the Omani capital, Muscat.
Iranian Foreign Ministry: Our negotiations are continuing to lift sanctions with real guarantees.
Baghaei said in a statement carried by Iranian media that the duration of the negotiations depends on the seriousness of the other side, and we will continue to negotiate as long as there are constructive and purposeful talks.
He added, "We are seriously negotiating to lift the unjust sanctions imposed on the Iranian people, and we are continuing to do so within the framework of our inalienable rights
."
Baghaei explained that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, and we must preserve the technical achievements of nuclear scientists. He emphasized Tehran's readiness to remove suspicions about the nature of Iran's nuclear program, and that we are cooperating in this area.
He emphasized the necessity of lifting sanctions and obtaining basic guarantees that they will not be returned, and our position on this issue will not change.
Araqchi: Technical negotiations at the expert level will begin on Wednesday in Amman.
According to Iranian media, Araghchi described the indirect talks as "good and forward-looking, lasting for four hours," emphasizing that "a better understanding was reached on a number of principles and goals."
The Iranian foreign minister said, "Assumptions and personal interpretations with different objectives are always present in any negotiation. I do not confirm any of these speculations. When the negotiations end, the results will be clear."
He added, "Negotiations are one of the Foreign Ministry's tasks, and there is no need to create excitement. We are proceeding carefully."
He stressed, "There is no reason for extreme optimism or extreme pessimism. I hope we will be in a better position next week after the technical meetings."
For his part, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei announced on the X platform that "fruitful indirect talks were held today between Iran and the United States, conducted by the Omani Foreign Minister, in a constructive atmosphere."
He added: The two sides agreed to continue indirect talks at the technical level within days, to be followed by another round at the level of each side next Saturday.
Washington and Tehran agree to move to the next stage of negotiations to reach a "permanent and binding" agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said after the conclusion of a second round of nuclear talks with the United States that "relative progress on the principles and objectives of a possible agreement" had been made during Saturday's discussions in Rome.
In a post on the X platform, Araghchi expressed optimism after the discussions, but with "extreme caution," as he put it.
Araghchi said that the negotiating delegation in Rome made it clear that nothing remains of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program, reached years ago, except for "lessons learned." He explained that expert-level negotiations with the United States will begin in the coming days with the aim of formulating some details.
Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States ended Saturday in the Italian capital, Rome, after four hours of discussions, Iranian state television reported.
The Sultanate of Oman mediated talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Al-Nusairi confirms that the Central Bank's approach to banking reform and development contributes to accelerating Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization.
During his participation in the specialized workshop held by the Ministry of Trade to discuss Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization, Samir Al-Nusairi, Economic and Banking Advisor, emphasized the role of the banking sector in contributing to accelerating Iraq's accession to the organization and the important role of the financial and banking sector in it. He pointed to the measures achieved in 2023 and 2024 by the Central Bank in cooperation with the government, mainly regarding the regulation of foreign trade financing, the electronic platform, and direct work between banks and international correspondent banks, based on the approved reform and development methodology, official data, and monetary policy indicators for 2024 and the plan for 2025 and 2026, in cooperation with international consulting companies specialized in this field, and compliance with financial globalization and international standards adopted by WTO member states.
The meeting to discuss the resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports has been postponed indefinitely.
Kurdish media reported that a meeting between the federal Ministry of Oil, oil companies, and the KurdistanRegion's Ministry of Natural Resources, scheduled for today in Baghdad to discuss the resumption of the region's oil exports, has been postponed indefinitely.
The media quoted Abdul Sahib Bazon, from the Ministry of Oil's media office, as saying: "No meeting will be held today between the federal Ministry of Oil, oil companies, and the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Natural Resources regarding the resumption of oil exports."
This comes at a time when the Iraqi Oil Minister announced on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) that "a delegation from the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Natural Resources will visit Baghdad on Saturday, April 19, to restart negotiations on the resumption of oil exports."
Kocher: Salaries are safe despite the decline in oil prices, and the 2025 budget may be delayed until after next October.
Kocher explained, in a statement to {Euphrates News} that "there are no new developments yet regarding sending the 2025 budget tables to Parliament," expecting that "this will happen next October." However, he expressed his personal doubts about the government's commitment to sending the tables on time, indicating that a delay is very likely.
It is noteworthy that Iraq has approved a three-year budget for the years (2023-2025) for the first time in its history, but submitting annual schedules for each year remains a necessary procedure to ensure the disbursement of allocations.
Amidst the economic and political changes, the Iraqi public is anticipating the outcome, especially as local and parliamentary elections approach. This presents the government with multiple challenges to ensure financial stability.
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Al-Sudani chairs a meeting with major foreign oil companies operating in Iraq.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a meeting today, Sunday (April 20, 2025), with the major foreign oil companies operating in Iraq.
The Prime Minister's media office stated in a brief statement received by Baghdad Today that "Al-Sudani chaired a meeting with the major foreign oil companies operating in Iraq."
Al-Sudani directs a re-evaluation of licensing rounds and an improvement in the operating environment for oil companies.
Al-Sudani's media office stated in a statement received by {Euphrates News} that "Al-Sudani chaired a meeting with representatives of the major foreign oil companies operating in Iraq, in the presence of the Minister of Oil, relevant authorities in the ministry, the Board of Supreme Audit, the General Tax Authority, and the Employment Department at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs."
The statement added that "the meeting, the second of its kind, addressed several issues, most notably the mechanism for stopping gas flaring and its investment, the water injection strategy, and the growth of investment in the oil sector, in addition to work permits and social security."
Al-Sudani emphasized the need to address the obstacles impeding project implementation, emphasizing that the partnership with oil companies is a strategic partnership and a government priority to maintain and increase production rates.
He added, "Our goal is to develop production and raise the efficiency of oil reservoir management by introducing modern technology and improving facility performance, in addition to ending the flaring of associated gas and making optimal use of it, whether in operating power plants or supporting vital industries such as petrochemicals, fertilizers, iron, and steel."
He pointed out that "the government is working to improve the operating environment for oil companies and enhance security at various sites and facilities, in addition to developing infrastructure. He explained that the government seeks a long-term partnership with oil companies to achieve the optimal use of oil and gas resources, which will benefit the Iraqi people and contribute to achieving development goals."
Representatives of the Iraqi oil ministry, KRG, and APIKUR meet in Erbil, April 20, 2025.
A trilateral meeting was convened in Erbil on Sunday among representatives of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) to address critical issues concerning the Kurdistan Region's oil sector, with a primary focus on resuming oil exports. Omid Sabah, Chief of Staff of the KRG Council of Ministers, stated that discussions involved the operational activities of oil companies and explored mechanisms to facilitate the restart of exports. The meeting also considered the challenges and proposals presented by these companies to create a conducive environment for resuming oil exports promptly.
Despite the Iraqi Parliament's approval of amendments to the federal budget law on February 2, 2025, particularly Article 12 concerning the resumption of Kurdistan's oil exports, disagreements between the federal government and the KRG have hindered the implementation of these provisions. The amendments stipulate that the federal Ministry of Finance will compensate the KRG for production and transportation costs of oil delivered to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). An international technical advisory body, to be appointed jointly by the federal and regional governments, was tasked with determining the fair cost of production and transportation for each oil field within 60 days of the law's enactment. However, this deadline has passed without an agreement, prompting concerns from Iraqi lawmakers.
Adnan al-Jaberi, Deputy Chairman of the Iraqi Parliament's Oil and Gas Committee, emphasized that the 60-day period to select a consulting firm has expired without consensus. He noted that, in the absence of agreement, the federal government reserves the right to unilaterally appoint the advisory body.
Meanwhile, oil production companies operating in the Kurdistan Region have expressed skepticism toward the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. These companies demand the settlement of outstanding payments for past production, advance payments, and future guarantees as prerequisites for resuming export operations.
The halt in oil exports since March 2023, following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, has significantly impacted the Kurdistan Region's economy, leading to delays in public sector salaries and reductions in essential services. Baghdad is under increasing pressure to resolve these disputes to restore financial stability and economic growth across Iraq.
As negotiations continue, the resumption of oil exports remains contingent upon resolving contractual disagreements, ensuring fair compensation for production and transportation costs, and rebuilding trust between the federal government and oil companies operating in the region.
Bafel Talabani: ‘My Account’ is an Important Project, Misunderstood by the Public
PUK leader Bafel Talabani emphasized on Saturday that the "My Account” project is a vital initiative that is often misunderstood by the public.
Speaking to party media on April 19, Talabani said, "The My Account project is very important and the process is not what people understand. We met with the team and were impressed. We had some comments and we hope they will be implemented.”
He added, "This project is so advanced that it has the support of the Americans and other parties. It is a banking system that serves people’s lives, regardless of what it is called.”
Talabani also confirmed that positive progress has been made in recent negotiations between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), saying both sides have agreed on core principles and strategies.
The "My Account" project threatens to spark massive demonstrations in Kurdistan.
Dilshad Mirani, head of the Popular Protests Committee in Sulaymaniyah, confirmed on Saturday that preparations are underway for demonstrations and protests by employees of the region in all of Kurdistan's governorates in the coming days.
Mirani said, "The reasons we are holding demonstrations in the region are our rejection of the 'My Account' project and to implement the Federal Court's decision to localize employees' salaries to federal banks."
He added that "demonstrations will take place in a new form in all cities and towns if the issue of localizing employees' salaries is not resolved."
The Central Bank launches the virtual bank project.
The exhibition included pavilions representing a group of banks and companies, as well as displays of fine art and heritage.
The virtual bank project aims to provide students and graduates with practical experience in banking, preparing them to develop human resources capable of meeting the needs of financial institutions. It also aims to provide students with practical experience by simulating the work of financial institutions and adopting international best practices. It also aims to encourage financial institutions operating in Iraq to access and expand financial services to all geographical regions of Iraq, with the aim of strengthening financial inclusion plans.
Media Office
April 20, 2025
Kuwait welcomes progress in indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised Oman and Italy, and welcomed the progress of the second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States.
The World - Iran
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement: "Kuwait welcomes the statement by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the agreement between Iran and the United States during the second round of discussions held in the Italian capital, Rome, and the two countries' agreement to move to the next stage of negotiations to reach a permanent and binding agreement."
The statement read: "The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes this step, which reflects both sides' desire to continue talks building on the progress achieved. Kuwait supports all diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving differences through dialogue, which leads to positive outcomes and contributes to achieving regional and international stability and security."
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded its statement by commending the Sultanate of Oman's efforts in convening these talks and Italy's hosting of the second round of talks.
Saleh: The budget deficit is precautionary and aims to protect financial stability.
Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, confirmed on Sunday that the annual deficit set in the three-year budget is a precautionary deficit and has been calculated within the maximum spending limits. He noted that the budget's philosophy aims to achieve economic and social goals without posing risks to financial stability.
Saleh explained in a statement to the official agency, followed by the Iraq Observer, that “the amended federal general budget, approved under Law No. 13 of 2023, operates within what is known as the ‘fiscal framework,’ a realistic and precautionary approach that allows public finances to use available flexibility to adjust fiscal policies and prioritize spending, such as subsidies, taxes, and public spending.”
He pointed out that "the three-year budget, in conjunction with the amended Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, provides a high capacity to manage the budget deficit to the minimum possible level, indicating that spending during the first quarter of 2025 proceeded within this framework."
He explained that "the proven annual deficit amounts to 64 trillion dinars, calculated based on a maximum expenditure of 200 trillion dinars, an average oil price of $70 per barrel, and a daily export rate of 3.4 million barrels. He added that the 2024 budget was implemented with a comfortable ceiling of no more than 156 trillion dinars, with domestic borrowing not exceeding half the maximum allocated to finance the deficit."
Saleh stressed the "need to review and control expenditures in light of the oil market's volatility," calling for the adoption of a "minimalist" budget and maximizing financial resources, while preserving core priorities such as employee salaries, retirement, social welfare, and agricultural support.
He stressed that "involving the private sector in financing development projects represents a real opportunity to strengthen partnerships with the state and overcome the economic challenges resulting from global energy fluctuations."
He concluded by saying, "The 2025 budget schedules currently being prepared and presented to Parliament must take into account current international conditions, including trade wars and price fluctuations in energy markets, which impact oil-producing countries, including Iraq."
Including "liquidity shortfalls," the Parliamentary Finance Committee explains the reasons for the delay in the 2025 budget schedules
Parliamentary Finance Committee member Mustafa Al-Karawi explained on Saturday the reasons for the delay in submitting the 2025 budget schedules. While he attributed this to a lack of liquidity and a lack of an economic vision, he noted that this will lead to the disruption of employees due.
Al-Karawi said in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency that "the government's delay in sending the 2025 budget tables is a clear legal violation of Article 77/Second of the General Budget Law, noting that "this delay reflects the government's failure to implement its legal obligations."
He added that "the delay in sending the tables will have a direct impact on employees' financial dues, such as certificates, transportation, bonuses, promotions, and others," noting that "monthly salaries will not be directly affected, but the impact will include the rest of the details related to employee rights."
He explained that "the operational and investment budget will also be significantly affected, which will negatively impact the level of public spending," stressing "the need to send the tables in accordance with what the law requires."
He pointed out that the delay is due to "the lack of sufficient financial liquidity, as well as the government's lack of a clear economic vision regarding oil prices and revenues, which is pushing the government to reduce the spending period within the fiscal year."
Regarding the legislative session, Al-Karawi explained that "the delay in the arrival of the tables may lead to an extension of the session for a month, but if "If it arrives, the legislative recess will be entered, which means the budget cannot be approved before the end of the current year."
It is noteworthy that the House of Representatives had previously voted on the budget amendment law and sent it to the government to send the budget schedules.
Zalmay Khalilzad returns to Baghdad and meets with Al-Sudani
Appointed US Ambassador to Iraq 2005
Former US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad posted a tweet on his X account, expressing his happiness at returning to Baghdad and noting the progress made in the country. He added that he had a substantive and constructive discussion with the Iraqi Prime Minister
Khalilzad's post on the "X" platform:
I am pleased to return to Baghdad and note the progress made. I had a substantive and constructive discussion on current issues with the Prime Minister.
Speaker of the Arab Parliament to Al-Sudani: Baghdad in reality is completely different from the misleading media image.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Yamahi on Sunday. The speaker emphasized that the reality of Baghdad differs sharply from the "misleading and negative images" portrayed by some media outlets.
Statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office:
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received on Sunday the Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mohammed Ahmed al-Yamahi, and his accompanying delegation, which includes representatives of various Arab parliaments participating in the Arab Parliamentary Meetings held in Baghdad from April 19-21.
His Excellency welcomed the Arab delegation and congratulated them on their meeting in the capital, Baghdad. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that its outcomes meet the challenges currently facing the Arab world, and explained that Arab parliaments are an expression of popular and popular positions that must play a significant role in resolving the issues facing the Arab world.
The Prime Minister affirmed his support for the Arab Parliament's efforts, noting that the outcomes of the upcoming Arab Summit, to be held in Baghdad next month, will be of great importance to the Arab world, as it will be held amidst the major challenges facing Arabs and the region. He explained that Iraq is focusing on the content of the summit's outcomes, which must rise to the level of the current phase.
Mr. Al-Sudani addressed the reconstruction and building movement taking place in Iraq, as well as the growth in foreign investment. The government has proposed cross-border projects, including the Strategic Development Road Project, which will enhance economic integration among the countries of the region.
For his part, Mr. Al-Yamahi expressed his gratitude to Iraq and praised its supportive stance on Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian cause and Gaza in particular. He also commended the recovery and stability Iraq is currently experiencing, stressing that the picture on the ground in Baghdad is completely different from the misleading and negative images presented by some media outlets, which contradict the reality of the country's security and prosperity.
Some of them were made by Iraqi hands... a technical display and heavy weapons in Baghdad (photos)
With the participation of 20 Arab and foreign countries and the attendance of
more than 150 local and Arab companies, the 13th Security, Defense, Military Industries and Cybersecurity Exhibition was held at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds from April 19 to 22 .
In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that the exhibition constitutes a strategic platform for showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in the fields of defense and cybersecurity, and for presenting defense solutions and modern security technologies in communications, surveillance systems, and police equipment .
Al-Sudani added that the exhibition aims to enhance Iraq's defense capabilities and open new horizons for international cooperation in the fields of security, exchange expertise between institutions, and support and develop the national defense industry. He emphasized the importance of this exhibition forming an effective basis for scientific and technical partnerships between the Iraqi public and private industrial sectors and participating companies, and that the government will provide full support to solid investment companies .
Heavy weapons
The exhibits were distributed among the pavilions where the participating companies displayed various weapons, including tanks, cannons, light weapons, drones, and various ammunition .
The Military Industrialization Authority made a clear contribution to this exhibition, by displaying its military products that reflect its development in this field over the past few years .
In this regard, the authority's spokesman, Iyad al-Nouri, explained to Shafaq News Agency that the authority began its real journey more than three years ago by establishing specialized factories to localize military industries in Iraq .
Al-Nouri pointed out that "the authority has achieved self-sufficiency in light and medium weapons, and is now supplying most security agencies with weapons, ammunition and military equipment. Its participation in the 13th edition of the Security, Defense, Military Industries and Cybersecurity Exhibition reveals the extent of its development in the field of military industries, and its utilization of modern technology and technical techniques . "
The General Directorate of Civil Defense participated with exhibits that reflected its methods of work in the field of civil defense. The Director of Public Relations and Media at the Directorate, Colonel Hussam Omran bin Abdullah, confirmed that advanced equipment was displayed in the pavilion designated for civil defense in the areas of firefighting, treatment, and first aid, in addition to a display of civil defense possessions .
Speaking to the agency, Abdullah pointed out that images depicting the heroic deeds of Civil Defense personnel were displayed, in addition to models, posters, and other items. He also noted the introduction of artificial intelligence into the Civil Defense Directorate's work, to issue recommendations and instructions via modern electronic systems .
He stated, "This exhibition is an international forum through which we hope to benefit from the expertise of participating international companies, especially since the Civil Defense Directorate has acquired advanced equipment and has been equipped with 300 advanced vehicles."
medical equipment
The exhibition also witnessed the participation of scientific and medical centers specializing in the manufacture of prosthetics and other items, most notably the Al-Warith Center affiliated with the Al-Abbas's Holy Shrine .
The center's director, Yasser Al-Saadi, told Shafaq News Agency, "Al-Warith Center is one of the most scientific and medical centers that has worked with the armed forces and various security agencies." He added, "The center has manufactured a large number of prosthetic limbs for the security forces, in addition to performing cosmetic nose and eye reconstruction for injured personnel."
Al-Saadi continued, "Our center's joint work with various security agencies has prompted us to set up a pavilion to showcase our advanced medical products."
In turn, the director of Anana Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Company, Rabie Shamel, stated that "this participation is the first of its kind in the Security and Defense Exhibition," explaining that "the goal of the participation is to showcase our pharmaceutical and medical supplies products and to supply the security ministries with the products they need . "
Speaking to the agency, Shamel pointed out that "the company's exhibits include crutches, electric wheelchairs, and lower and upper limb prosthetics."
cyber security
In contrast, Mohammed Zaidoun, agent of Al Qafaf Scientific Company, said the reason for participating in the exhibition was to offer solutions related to cybersecurity and forensic analysis.
Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Zaidoun confirmed that the company possesses devices for comparing manuscripts and other devices for cartridges and projectiles. He pointed out that there is cooperation between the company and the security ministries, and that during previous sessions of the exhibition, projects were completed for the Ministry of Interior, including equipping the ministry with a number of forensic evidence devices .
Iranian presence
Global government companies presented advanced military exhibits, including the Iranian Ministry of Defense's pavilion .
The Iranian Ministry's representative, Sharif Mohammadi, described the Security and Defense Exhibition being held in Baghdad as the most prominent exhibition in the Middle East, adding that Tehran participated in the exhibition with various levels of military industries and products .
Speaking to the agency, Mohammadi noted that it was impossible to assess his country's participation from the first day of the exhibition's opening, but that previous participations had achieved positive results in areas of security cooperation between the two neighboring countries .
The Iranian pavilion included models of devices and equipment related to air and ground defense, as well as monitoring devices used in border areas .
Opinions
The Security and Defense Exhibition was well received by a number of citizens who visited the exhibition and expressed their admiration for the meticulous organization. Visitor Rana Abdul Hussein, 32, said: "Despite the difficulty of entering the exhibition and the heavy crowding during the opening, I witnessed a high degree of organizational precision . "
Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Abdul Hussein confirmed that the pavilions included amazing and huge exhibits, and although she did not know much about them, they reflected the extent of global participation in this edition .
Visitor Reda Al-Taie, 40, also noted the "military models, some of which were on display today," considering them "indicative of the development of military and war industries and related matters."
Al-Taie concluded his remarks to the agency by saying, "The industrial products of the participating companies provide an opportunity to expose us to new technologies and techniques that we had no knowledge of."
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