“Tidbits From TNT” Sunday 12-14-2025
TNT:
Tishwash: The President of the Republic meets with the Russian President
President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid met today, Friday, December 12, 2025, in the Turkmen capital Ashgabat, with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, within the framework of the International Forum for Peace and Confidence.
The meeting reviewed prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries, and the measures that should be adopted to strengthen understanding on issues of mutual interest.
The President stressed the importance of resuming political dialogue and consultation sessions to follow up on the implementation of the bilateral agreements and memoranda signed between the two countries.
The meeting also discussed the latest regional and international developments, in light of the rapid developments in the region and the increasing challenges related to security and stability. It was agreed to continue consultation and joint coordination to confront these challenges, in order to preserve international peace and stability. link
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Tishwash: "A quantum leap"... Al-Ahli Bank of Iraq signs its largest digital expansion deal to launch more innovative banking services
The National Bank of Iraq praised the investment developments taking place in Iraq, stressing that this is a strategic step that enhances the digital transformation in the country, while noting that the development of banking services is in line with the highest international standards.
The bank said in a statement, "The bank has approved the purchase of 51% of the shares of both the Iraqi Electronic Gateway for Financial Services Company (SWITCH) and the Digital Future for Electronic Distribution Services Company," noting that "the General Assembly approved the authorization of the authorized manager, Ayman Omran Abu Dahim, to sign all agreements, documents and papers necessary to complete and implement the investment decisions."
He explained that "this step is an integrated business model that combines the banking solvency and advanced technological capabilities of the two companies, enabling the bank to launch an innovative digital services system that includes developing national payments, enhancing financial inclusion for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as expanding the network of partnerships with global financial institutions.
This expansion comes in light of the increasing demand for financial technology solutions and smart payment applications in the Iraqi market."
He explained that "this investment opens the door for the bank to integrate its banking expertise with the technical capabilities of the two companies, which will enhance the development of advanced electronic payment services, transfers, digital wallets, and points of sale, in addition to launching rapidly evolving digital platforms that meet market needs and keep pace with digital transformation trends."
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Iraq, Basim Khalil Al-Salem, said that “the purchase of 51% of Switch and Digital Future companies is a strategic step that reflects confidence in the ability of the Iraqi economy to lead the digital transformation in the region.
This expansion is in line with the bank’s vision of building an advanced financial system based on innovation and advanced technologies, and supporting the development of banking services in accordance with the highest international standards.”
Ayman Abu Dahim, the authorized manager of the National Bank of Iraq, said, “This investment represents a qualitative leap for the National Bank of Iraq, as it provides an advanced technological infrastructure that enables the bank to expand its digital services and launch new products that meet the growing market needs.
The integration of the bank’s expertise and the technical capabilities of the two companies will contribute to strengthening the electronic payments system and providing smart and secure solutions that enhance the customer experience and support the digital transformation in the Iraqi banking sector.” link
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Tishwash: Sudani: The end of UNAMI's mission does not mean the end of the partnership between Iraq and the United Nations.
Outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said on Saturday that the end of the UNAMI mission’s work in Iraq does not mean the end of the partnership between the country and the United Nations, while welcoming the selection of former President Barham Salih to be the new High Commissioner for Refugees.
This came in a joint press statement held by Al-Sudani with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the sidelines of the official announcement ceremony for the end of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
Al-Sudani said in the statement, "We highly value the work of the UNAMI mission in Iraq since its establishment in 2003 in a country that has suffered greatly from dictatorship, wars and terrorism, but Iraq emerged victorious thanks to the sacrifices and courage of its people."
He added that the end of the UNAMI mission does not mean the end of the partnership between Iraq and the United Nations, but rather represents the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation, especially in the areas of development, comprehensive economic growth, and providing advice. He further stated that “our relationship with the United Nations through the UNAMI mission was pivotal and effective in meeting Iraq’s needs and helping it until it reached the stage of being fully self-reliant.”
Al-Sudani went on to say that "the relationship file today has moved from crisis management efforts to long-term development planning efforts, and reliance on self-efforts (...) to achieve security, stability and prosperity through the efforts of Iraqis despite the various challenges."
He added, "We have succeeded in consolidating the foundations of democracy through holding the sixth parliamentary elections, and before that there were the provincial council elections and the Kurdistan Region Parliament," considering that "this confirms our commitment to the constitution and the law."
Al-Sudani also pointed out that "the recent elections were described as the most organized and credible and took place in a free atmosphere, and they recorded a remarkable increase in the participation rate, which exceeded 56 percent."
The caretaker prime minister of Iraq added, "We look forward to establishing relations with the United Nations based on a balanced partnership, mutual respect, and through joint programs towards a supportive partnership focused on sustainable development."
He continued, saying, "During this critical and sensitive period in the region and the world, we adopted a balanced foreign policy based on securing interests and preserving sovereignty, and we were able to strengthen and develop our regional and international relations, and spare the country the repercussions of conflict and crises in the region."
Al-Sudani expressed his welcome for the selection of former Iraqi President Barham Salih to fill the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, saying that this step "means a lot in supporting this important humanitarian issue, and that Iraq, with its political and influential figures, contributes to finding solutions and providing international support and assistance to refugees, not only in the region, but throughout the world."
The outgoing Prime Minister announced that "in recognition of the role and sacrifices of the United Nations, especially the late Sergio Vieira de Mello and his colleagues, we announce the naming of one of the streets of the capital, Baghdad, extending from the Dar al-Diyafa intersection to the Ibn Sina Hospital intersection, as United Nations Street."
Al-Sudani concluded his statement by saying that "a memorial will be placed next to the Unknown Soldier monument in honor of the United Nations' role in Iraq in previous years." link
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Mot: Careful What Ya Says to the ""Wee Folks""!!!!
