Iraqi News Thursday AM 7-29-21
Iraqi News Thursday AM 7-29-21
TLM724 Administrator BondLady’s Corner
Al-Kazemi Stresses The Importance Of Developing Cooperation With The World Bank
Economie | 11:49 - 27/07/2021 Baghdad - Mawazine News Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi stressed the importance of developing cooperation with the World Bank.
The media office of the Prime Minister stated in a statement received, that "Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi met at his residence in the American capital, Washington, the President of the World Bank Group David Malpass and his accompanying delegation,
and during the meeting, they discussed joint cooperation in various fields, and attributing the efforts of the Iraqi government to Administrative reform and combating corruption, supporting capacity building for Iraqi institutions, public sector reform, and banking sector reform efforts.
He added, "They also discussed cooperation with regard to financing infrastructure projects in Iraq, in the areas of water, airports, and natural gas.
They also discussed clean energy projects, especially solar energy to generate electric power."
The Prime Minister stressed, according to the statement, "the importance of developing cooperation with the World Bank and ways to develop it,
and urged the rapid disbursement of more than one billion dollars, available as loans to the World Bank, to support the government in projects ready for implementation inside Iraq."
And the statement continued, "Al-Kazemi discussed with the head of the World Bank Group, supporting the Iraqi government's plans in housing projects, and encouraging investments in this sector by American companies, and other companies." Ended 29 / A87 https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=161927
See Also - Middle East & Africa July 27, 20212:17 PM Updated 7 hours ago
World Bank's Malpass meets with Iraqi prime minister, emphasizes need for bank reforms
By Reuters Staff
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - World Bank President David Malpass met on Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Washington, and emphasized the importance of banking sector reforms and moves to accelerate private sector investment, the bank said in a statement.
Al-Kazemi arrives at the American Chamber of Commerce to meet with a number of businessmen
Political | 10:43 - 27/07/2021 Baghdad - Mawazine News Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi arrived at the American Chamber of Commerce to meet with a number of businessmen.
Al-Iraqiya news correspondent said that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi arrived at the headquarters of the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington to meet with a number of businessmen.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi arrived the day before yesterday, Sunday, to the American capital, Washington, at the head of a high-ranking government delegation. Ended 29/A87
https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=161924
Welcoming The Economic Results Of Al-Kazemi's Visit To Washington
Thursday 29 July 2021 160 Baghdad: Haider Al-Rubaie The economic results of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi’s visit to Washington were widely welcomed by many specialists, who stressed the importance of the meetings that Al-Kazemi held in the United States, and his review of the reform packages implemented by the government in various economic fields, as well as his continuous assurances regarding efforts to attract investment companies, And the continuous efforts to overcome obstacles to global companies.
Al-Kazemi discussed with the President of the World Bank Group David Malpass supporting the government’s plans in housing projects, joint cooperation in various fields, supporting the Iraqi government’s efforts in administrative reform and combating corruption, supporting capacity building for Iraqi institutions, public sector reform, and banking sector reform efforts” as well as research Supporting government plans in housing projects, and encouraging investments in this sector by American companies and other companies.
Al-Kazemi also stressed, during his meeting with the Businessmen Forum and the American Chamber of Commerce, that Iraq's doors are open to investment, and that the Iraqi government has taken bold measures towards real reforms in the economy.
He said, "The government has taken bold measures towards real reforms in the economy, the most important of which is strengthening credit activity in the banking sector," noting that "we have begun to address weak infrastructure despite the budget deficit, by encouraging private sector investments."
Economic Renaissance
Adviser in the Cabinet, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Salih, told Al-Sabah that "what Iraq is looking forward to is how the international community can help the country's housing renaissance, an initiative launched by the Prime Minister recently, which came in light of a housing shortage and destitution exceeding three million housing units." across the country.”
Salih pointed out that the United States has had a historical idea since the end of World War II that allocating a home for each family, which was considered one of the beginnings of the family social renaissance in America, therefore transferring great experiences to our country, and encouraging the real estate investment sector is a gateway to spreading the economies of peace and building Civilization and the happiness of the Iraqi human being and building sustainable stability in our country.
The economic advisor pointed out that the Prime Minister’s efforts represent “the beginning of strategic development relations with the United States with great technological expertise in building economic ties with Iraq and a positive interaction with American capital in the future.”
Development Opportunities
Salih stressed that Iraq aspires to build a long-term strategic economic partnership with the United States, and to strengthen opportunities for development and economic cooperation in the region, which has fought long conflicts that undermined the opportunities for development and economic progress for the peoples of the region. Development, investment and prosperity, while hopes for a better future remained weak due to the continuation of wars and long conflicts.
He pointed out that Iraq, through deepening cooperation with the major countries, seeks that these strong relations lead to the establishment of a political economy of peace through major companies in technology and reconstruction, and the transition to building prosperity, rejecting conflicts and achieving stability.
Messages Of Reassurance
For his part, the researcher in economic affairs, Ali Al-Difai, believes that the Prime Minister succeeded, during his visit to Washington, in transmitting messages of reassurance to international companies regarding economic reforms to be implemented by the government, especially in the investment field.
Al-Dafii indicated that investment laws and legislation have a vital and effective role in attracting capital and investors, which was confirmed by Al-Kazemi during meetings he held with American investors and companies, when he explained the government’s intention to introduce reform packages in the economy in general, and the investment reality in particular. LINK
Prime Minister: Iraq Is Continuing To Promote Reforms And Fight Corruption
Thursday 29 July 2021 230 Baghdad: Muhammad Al-Ansari Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said that Iraq is seeking to adopt everything that promotes a policy of calm in the region, as well as moving forward in promoting reforms, fighting corruption, enhancing its internal security, and creating a suitable environment that attracts investment.
Al-Kazemi met yesterday evening, Wednesday, at the US Congress building in Washington, DC, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on the third day of his official visit to the United States, accompanied by a high-ranking government delegation.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office stated that the meeting between the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Iraq and the United States at various economic levels and the horizon for joint political coordination, as well as cooperation in the fields of education, culture, investment, and others.
Pelosi welcomed Al-Kazemi's visit to the United States and the US Congress building, stressing the council members' support for the Al-Kazemi government's steps and initiatives and its growing role in promoting regional security and stability.
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives affirmed Congress' support for the Iraqi government's efforts to make the October elections successful, and also stressed the importance of continuing bilateral cooperation in combating the Corona pandemic, and the United States continuing to provide support to the Iraqi people by contributing to the provision of vaccines. During his visit to Congress, Al-Kazemi also met with Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
In a related context, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities is preparing next week to display the rare archaeological tablet "The Dream of Gilgamesh" accompanied by 17,000 Sumerian clay figures that were lost from Iraq after 2003 and were recovered from Washington during the Prime Minister's visit to the United States. LINK
The Prime Minister From The US Congress: Iraq Seeks Calm In The Region
Thursday 29 July 2021 194 Baghdad: Muhammad Al-Ansari Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said that Iraq has sought to adopt everything that promotes a policy of calm in the region, as well as moving forward in promoting reforms, fighting corruption, enhancing its internal security, and creating an appropriate environment that attracts investment.
Al-Kazemi met yesterday evening, Wednesday, at the US Congress building in Washington, DC, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on the third day of his official visit to the United States, accompanied by a high-ranking government delegation.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office stated that the meeting between the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Iraq and the United States at various economic levels and the horizon for joint political coordination, as well as cooperation in the fields of education, culture, investment, and others.
Pelosi welcomed Al-Kazemi's visit to the United States and the US Congress building, stressing the council members' support for the Al-Kazemi government's steps and initiatives and its growing role in promoting regional security and stability.
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives affirmed Congress' support for the Iraqi government's efforts to make the upcoming October elections successful, and also stressed the importance of continuing bilateral cooperation in combating the Corona pandemic, and the United States continuing to provide support to the Iraqi people by contributing to providing
Vaccines.
The Prime Minister had held a meeting earlier in the Businessmen Forum and the American Chamber of Commerce, and said: "The Iraqi government has taken bold measures towards real reforms in the economy, the most important of which is strengthening credit activity in the banking sector," noting that "we have begun to address the weak infrastructure despite the fact that budget deficit, by encouraging private sector investments.
He added, "The government has proposed clean energy projects through competitive and transparent bidding, which resulted in attracting the largest international companies in the field of solar energy, and we are now in negotiations with the largest international companies to grant 7,500 megawatts in the field of solar energy during the next two years."
He pointed out that "the government has begun to address the housing crisis through a package of measures, the most important of which is the initiative of government banks and a number of private banks to offer low-cost and long-term loans to support the purchase of housing units, and this will also help encourage investment in the real estate sector," stressing that "this initiative helped to revitalize a number of stalled projects.
He continued, "Corruption is being fought and state resources are preserved, and one of the most important measures is the cancellation of licenses in fake and lagging projects that are behind the mafias of economic and political corruption." And clean energy in particular, and we have launched strategic projects in the field of gas and the investment of associated gas, in cooperation with American companies."
He pointed out that "Iraq's doors are open to investment, and American companies in particular, and our vision is serious in relying on Western investments instead of others, and we need your cooperation in order to achieve that".
The Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-ranking government delegation, held last Monday at the White House in Washington, for an important session of talks with US President Joe Biden, and he also met on the sidelines of the visit, the President of the World Bank Group.
Our armed forces and the international coalition
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Yahya Rasoul, reiterated that Iraq does not need foreign combat forces on its soil.
Rasool said, in a televised interview: “We do not need any foreign combat forces in Iraq, what we need is to exchange experiences with the international coalition.” He added, “We are working to complete the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces,” noting that “the battle is with what remains of ISIS.” We are working to complement the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.”
Economy from war to peace
On the economic side of Al-Kazemi’s visit to Washington, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mazhar Muhammad Salih said in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Iraq needs new technological thought and new partnerships, and to invite US companies, which represent the largest economy in the world, to invest in Iraq, and it comes within The investment law framework to revive the effective and large Iraqi economy and reduce high unemployment.
He continued, "I think this step is a new page for the transition from the economy of wars, conflict and remnants of the past to an economy of peace, development and construction."
He added, "America's role in investment, construction and reconstruction is an important turning point that must be worked on in the strategy of the relationship between Iraq and the United States, and the current openness is the first of its kind."
Oil Minister: Gas is a priority
On the other hand, Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail confirmed, in an exclusive interview with Al-Hurra channel from Washington, that the Iraqi government considers investment in the field of natural gas a priority, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency and stopping imports, denying, on the other hand, the existence of Any "Chinese interference" in Iraqi oil policies.
Ismail, who recently visited Washington to participate in the strategic dialogue meetings, stressed Iraq's desire to harmonize its policies with the new global energy policies, and indicated that the US administration urged Baghdad to work on this file.
He said: "Iraq is clearly heading towards renewable energy, especially solar, as ministerial decisions were announced in this regard, and a number of bids were awarded to major companies such as Norway's Scatec, UAE's Masdar, and France's Total."
Iraq aims, according to Cabinet decisions, to produce 7.5 gigawatts of solar energy, and the government has developed a second plan to increase the volume of production later to 12 gigawatts.
Ismail revealed that part of this plan aims to freeze the production of energy produced from carbon fuels, to no more than 40 gigawatts, in compliance with Iraq's environmental protection requirements.
In response to a question about the date of the start of these projects, the Minister of Oil said: "It is expected that (Scatec) company will start its work in Karbala and Hilla by the end of this year, as well as with the companies (Total, Power China and Masdar)."
As for the project, which a senior White House official described as “historic”, and related to capturing 5.2 million cubic meters of gas flaring from oil production in Basra, Ismail explained that “the Iraqi government’s current direction is to invest in the field of gas, which has been clear since June 2020. When more than a billion dollars were pumped into the "Basra Gas Company", the government also supported gas projects in Nasiriyah and Amara, among others.
In this regard, Ismail expected that Iraq would witness, starting from 2022, the entry of a number of production lines to collect and refining gas, leading to stopping its burning in 2025, and stressed that the current policy, if it is adopted by future governments, is “a necessary matter,” according to As he put it, it will place Iraq among the first countries in the world to extinguish the burning gas, which will achieve the goals of protecting its wealth on the one hand, and environmental commitment on the other.
The Minister of Oil revealed that Iraq needs, on average, at least 4 thousand million standard cubic feet of natural gas to support the electric power production system.
On the signing of new agreements on energy during the US-Iraq strategic dialogue, Ismail said: Most American companies are already working in Iraq, in the field of oil energy, a large contract worth half a billion dollars was recently signed with the Schlumberg Group, and there are contracts with Halliburton, and advanced discussions With "Chevron" company to develop infrastructure in Dhi Qar Governorate, and other projects with other companies.
With regard to Iraq’s continued importation of gas, even though it is floating on a “sea of gas” in the words of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, Ismail said: The orientations of previous governments used to give priority to investing in oil because of its ease and rapid return on investment, but the current government has changed priorities, And it headed to invest in gas, and the results of that will appear at the end of next year.
The Minister of Oil confirmed that Iraq will achieve in the years 2025-2024 gas sufficiency by 90%, and thus the need to import from any resource will end.
The speech of the American ambassador
In a related context, the US ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Tueller, announced his country's financial support for the success of the elections in Iraq.
Toler said in an interview with "Al-Iraqiya News": "All the bilateral meetings that took place this week in Washington, and Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi's meeting with President Biden at the White House carried indications that relations between Iraq and the United States serve the interests of the two countries."
He added, "There is a firm commitment to work on establishing solid foundations, and to continue expanding horizons of cooperation on the economic and cultural level, not just on the security side."
He pointed out that "the United States seeks to achieve stability and security in the region from the Mediterranean to the Gulf," stressing that "President Biden expressed this clearly during the meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, as he indicated that the stability of Iraq is the stability of the region. The existence of Iraq as a state A strong, stable and unified will reflect on the region."
He continued, "We believe that Iraq has these capabilities, and we want to help the Iraqis," adding: "The Iraqis are proud of their country, as they should be, and we hope to help in their pursuit of a future worthy of the people, especially children and grandchildren."
The US ambassador pointed out that "Al-Kazemi showed during the past year a solid determination to restore the prestige of the Iraqi state institutions," stressing that "in order to help Iraq conduct the elections, the United States provides significant financial support, first to (UNAMI), which will play a role in monitoring the elections. , as well as to the Independent High Authority for Elections, through civil society and non-governmental organizations that provide technical support.
Tueller continued: "We encourage normal relations between Iran and Iraq, we do not seek to create problems between Iraq and Iran," stressing that "in the end we want normal relations between the two countries based on mutual respect and respect for sovereignty." LINk
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