Trump invites al-Zaidi to visit Washington after the formation of the new Iraqi government
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US President Donald Trump congratulated Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Thursday on his appointment to form the government and invited him to visit Washington after the government is formed. They also agreed to cooperate to consolidate stability in the region.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received a phone call today, Thursday, from US President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on his official appointment to form the new government and extended an official invitation for him to visit Washington after the government is formed."
The statement added that "the call included a review of the strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields," noting that "both sides emphasized joint work and bilateral cooperation to consolidate stability in the region."
Ali Z's Tweet
Trump: We wish al-Zaidi success in his efforts to form the Iraqi government
US President Donald Trump congratulated Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Thursday on his appointment to form the government and invited him to visit Washington after the government is formed. They also agreed to cooperate to consolidate stability in the region.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received a phone call today, Thursday, from US President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on his official appointment to form the new government and extended an official invitation for him to visit Washington after the government is formed."
The statement added that "the call included a review of the strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields," noting that "both sides emphasized joint work and bilateral cooperation to consolidate stability in the region."
Barak congratulates al-Zaidi on his appointment to form the Iraqi government.
On Thursday, US envoy Tuck Barak congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on being tasked with forming the new Iraqi government, and discussed with him ways to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The media office of Al-Zaidi said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi received a phone call from US envoy Tom Barrack, who offered his congratulations on his official appointment to form the new government.”
He added, "During the call, ways to strengthen relations between Iraq and the United States of America were discussed, and to enhance cooperation in many areas in a way that contributes to consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries."
The ruling Shiite coalition forces in Iraq announced last Monday the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership, after Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race for the position.
The European Union mission in Iraq and Spain welcomed on Thursday the nomination of Ali al-Zaidi for the position of prime minister-designate in Iraq, while the mission stressed the importance of expediting the formation of the Iraqi government to address the many pressing issues facing the country .
The European Union Delegation to Iraq stated in a post followed by Shafaq News Agency that "the European Union Delegation in Baghdad welcomes the appointment of Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister of Iraq. It is now important to expedite the formation of the government to address the many pressing issues facing the country ."
The Parliamentary Finance Committee vows to stop the "farce" of the 2025 budget schedules: a clear legal violation, and we will not vote for them.
On Thursday, MP Bassem Al-Gharabi, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, strongly criticized the Ministry of Finance for sending the 2025 budget schedules in April of 2026, considering this a "clear violation" of the law and a "clear breach" of the binding financial deadlines.
Shafaq News Agency publishes the document issued by the Ministry of Finance/Budget Department on April 28, 2026, and signed by Minister Taif Sami, which shows the referral of the general budget tables for the year 2025 and the deficit financing table to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers for the purpose of sending them to the House of Representatives for approval.
Al-Gharabi explained in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Article (77/Second) of the Three-Year Budget Law No. 13 of 2023 requires that these schedules be sent before the end of the previous fiscal year (end of 2024), and not after the end of the fiscal year in its entirety.
Al-Gharabi added that “what happened practically means dealing with a completed fiscal year, which is contrary to the principle of annual budgeting stipulated in Federal Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, as it is not permissible to exceed the fiscal year or reopen it after it has been closed.”
The member of the Finance Committee stressed that this measure lacks legal basis and disrupts the work of oversight and final accounts, calling on the concerned authorities to clarify the legal basis and determine responsibilities.
Al-Gharabi concluded by saying: "We will put an end to this farce in the management of state funds, and we will not vote on the schedules if they are sent to the council for the purpose of legal cover-ups and evading accountability."
MP: This year's budget is a priority for the next government
Member of Parliament, Miqdad al-Khafaji, confirmed on Thursday that the current financial and economic crises necessitate expediting the completion of the general budget, indicating that this file will be at the top of the agenda of the next government as soon as it is formed.
Al-Khafaji stated to Al-Maalomah News Agency that "the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing and the worsening financial crisis necessitate close coordination between the Council of Ministers and the Parliament to ensure the passage of the budget law for the remainder of this year."
He added that "the incoming government will, immediately after gaining confidence, begin preparing the budget schedules and drafting its articles to align with the scale of the economic challenges," emphasizing the need to resolve the issue to secure salaries and the completion of stalled service projects.
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Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi discusses the financial situation and monetary policy with Central Bank Governor Ali al-Alaq
Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen al-Alaq stressed on Thursday the importance of maintaining economic stability.
A statement from his media office, received by "Al-Eqtisad News," stated that "the Prime Minister-designate met with the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, to discuss the financial situation in the country and monetary policy in light of the current circumstances and challenges."
He noted that "the meeting emphasized the importance of maintaining economic stability and strengthening the Central Bank's procedures to achieve sustainable development in Iraq."
After meeting Taif Sam
Al-Alaq opens the Central Bank's books to Al-Zidi... and Iraq's financial situation
In one day and in two consecutive meetings, Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh alZaidi clearly outlined his economic priorities. First, Finance Minister Taif Sami came to him to brief him
on the financial situation and the files of revenues and salaries. Then, Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen al-Alaq came to him to discuss monetary policy and strengthening economic stability, on Thursday (April 30, 202
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by that“Prime Minister-designate Mr. Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met today, Thursday, with the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq.” The meeting witnessed “a discussion of the financial situation in the country and monetary policy in light of the current circumstances and challenges, where the importance of maintaining economic stability and strengthening the Central Bank’s procedures was emphasized, in order to achieve sustainable development in Iraq .
Taif Sami gives Al-Zaidi a full picture of Iraq's financial reality and salaries
In their first meeting 2026-04-30 | 11:07 Baghdad
Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi met today, Thursday (April 30, 2026), with Finance Minister Taif Sami for their first meeting, to discuss the financial situation in Iraq, as well as the issues of financial revenues and salaries. The media office of Al-Zaidi stated in a statement, which was followed by , that“Prime Minister-designate Ali Falih Al-Zaidi met today, Thursday with Finance Minister Ms. Taif Sami.” According to the statement, the meeting included a review of the financial situation in Iraq, including financial revenues and the salary file, as well as a discussion of the challenges facing the financial situation under the current circumstances, and the importance of continuing to work on maximizing and diversifying financial resources.
According to the statement, the meeting included a review of the financial situation in Iraq, including financial revenues and the salary file, as well as a discussion of the challenges facing the financial situation under the current circumstances, and the importance of continuing to work on maximizing and diversifying financial resources.
Launch of the "Merchant Platform" in Iraq: A digital step to support the economy and diversify trade.
Saleh said in a press statement that "in a step that reflects a serious trend towards modernizing the economic structure, Iraq announced the launch of the electronic (Trader Platform) and the activation of automation procedures, within a strategic path aimed at facilitating trade and enhancing our country's integration into the regional and international economy."
He explained that “(the Merchant Platform) does not merely represent administrative development and high-level governance in transparency, accountability and participation, but rather indicates a qualitative shift in the philosophy of managing the economy, from the traditional pattern based on complexity and bureaucracy, to a more efficient digital model that keeps pace with the requirements of modern market systems that are explicitly stipulated in the constitution.”
He pointed out that “the electronic platform (the merchant platform) is a pivotal tool for empowering the private sector and advancing it institutionally, as it provides an integrated electronic environment for issuing import and export licenses, adopting the (one-stop shop) system for registering companies, in addition to providing banking facilities and loans that support commercial activities, which would reduce time and costs, stimulate investment, open the door to a wider segment of entrepreneurs and improve market climate standards in accordance with the global requirements of the World Trade Organization, the World Bank and other international partners.”
He added, "This step coincides with positive economic indicators, as Iraq continued to record growth in the volume of its foreign trade, which exceeded $65 billion, with a remarkable trade surplus driven by the rise in oil exports in the past few years. This performance also contributed to strengthening Iraq's position among Arab and global economies, reflecting promising potential if it is properly invested."
He pointed out that "the real challenge lies not in the size of the numbers, but rather in their nature, as exports still depend almost entirely on oil, which makes the economy vulnerable to the fluctuations of global markets. This is where the importance of the 'Trader Platform' comes in as a means to support the diversification of the economy, by facilitating non-oil trade and encouraging local production."
On the regional relations front, Saleh affirmed that “Iraq is witnessing a remarkable expansion in its trade partnerships, whether with Arab countries or neighboring countries, indicating the restoration of its role as an active economic center. This trend is reinforced by the (Development Road) project, which is expected to transform the country into a strategic hub for transport and trade, linking the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe.” He explained that “the relevant official bodies are committed to the success of these projects with precision and to ensuring their actual implementation, providing a stable legal and regulatory environment, in addition to combating bureaucracy and removing obstacles to any real economic reform.”
He pointed out that “digital transformation in the trade sector is not a luxury option, but an inevitable necessity in a world that is rapidly moving towards a digital economy. If this step is properly invested, Iraq has a real opportunity to move from a rentier economy to a diversified economy that is more sustainable and competitive.”
He concluded by saying: “The (Trader Platform) represents a serious test of Iraq’s ability to translate its economic ambitions into tangible reality. It will either be a gateway to a modern economy, or it will remain just a promising project added to the list of incomplete opportunities.”
The governor of Maysan inaugurates a financial inclusion exhibition and
emphasizes its importance for economic stability
Maysan Governor Habib Thahir Al-Fartousi emphasized on Tuesday the importance of developing banking performance and providing facilities for citizens and investors. He affirmed that financial inclusion is a fundamental pillar for economic stability and revitalizing commercial activity.
A statement from the University of Maysan, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), indicated that "the University of Maysan hosted the Financial Inclusion Exhibition, held under the auspices of the Central Bank of Iraq, under the slogan 'Financial Inclusion: The Gateway to Digital Transformation.'"
The statement added that "the exhibition was inaugurated by Maysan Governor Habib Thahir Al-Fartousi and University President Adel Maneh Dakhel, in the presence of official and academic figures, including several deans of colleges, representatives of banks in the governorate, and a representative of the Central Bank."
It noted that "the exhibition aims to promote banking awareness and disseminate the concepts of digital transformation by showcasing the latest financial services and solutions, thereby contributing to simplifying procedures and supporting the national economy."
The statement continued, “At the conclusion of the event, the Governor of Maysan held a meeting with banking leaders, during which he stressed the importance of developing banking performance and providing facilities for citizens and investors,” emphasizing that “financial inclusion represents a fundamental pillar for economic stability and stimulating commercial activity, and calling for the adoption of innovative initiatives that are in line with the directions of financial reform.”
The Central Bank of Iraq is discussing with Azerbaijan the opening of bank branches and the development of electronic payment systems.
The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, discussed today, Thursday, with the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Baghdad, Eldar Selimov, the development of cooperation, including opening branches of banks in the two countries and activating electronic payment cards.
The Central Bank said in a statement received by “Al-Eqtisad News” that “Al-Alaq received Salimov, and during the meeting, ways to enhance financial and banking cooperation between Iraq and Azerbaijan were discussed, with a focus on developing mechanisms for bilateral financial transfers, especially those related to the banking sector.”
He added that "both sides expressed their desire to expand the scope of banking cooperation, including the possibility of opening bank branches and strengthening financial partnerships, in a way that serves common interests and supports the movement of economic exchange between the two countries. The two sides also discussed the importance of developing the electronic payment card system in a way that contributes to facilitating the movement of travelers and raising the efficiency of financial operations, stressing the smoothness of transactions and their reaching ideal levels."
He added that "Salimov extended an official invitation to the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq to participate in the Islamic Development Bank meetings scheduled to be held in Baku from June 16 to 19, 2026."
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