Archive | 2025

BP signs MoU for Redevelopment of Kirkuk Oil Fields

By John Lee. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in London to explore the comprehensive redevelopment of four oil fields in Kirkuk. The agreement was formalised by Amer Khalil Ahmed, Director General of the North Oil Company (NOC), and Zaid Al-Yasiri, BP's Iraq Branch Manager, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister […]

Iraq and BAE Systems discuss Defence and Cybersecurity Collaboration

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn in London to discuss enhancing Iraq's defence capabilities and cybersecurity infrastructure. The discussions highlighted BAE Systems' expertise in advanced weapons manufacturing and cybersecurity technologies. Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to equipping Iraq's security forces with state-of-the-art weapons from diverse sources. […]

UK, Iraq announce $15bn Trade and Investment Partnership

By John Lee. Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Mohammed S. Al-Sudani have unveiled an ambitious £12.3 billion [$15 billion] UK-Iraq trade and investment package aimed at enhancing prosperity and bilateral economic ties. The agreement represents over a tenfold increase in trade compared to last year and underscores both nations' commitment to strategic collaboration across key […]

UK Export Finance signs MoU with Iraq to Boost Investment

By John Lee. During Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani's official visit to London, Iraq's Sovereign Guarantees Initiative Committee signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to enhance economic collaboration. The MoU, signed by Mohammed Sahib Al-Darraji, Head of the Initiative Committee and Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Adam Harris, Director […]

Iraq, UK Partnership on Climate Change and Carbon Economics

By John Lee. Iraq and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, and carbon economics, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation. The agreement was formalised during Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani's meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy, […]

Stellar Energy discusses Iraq Power Projects with PM

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with Stellar Energy's Executive Chairman, Peter Gibson, during his official visit to London to discuss the company's ongoing and future projects in Iraq. The talks focused on Florida-based Stellar Energy's work with the Ministry of Electricity on combined-cycle power plants and gas supply mechanisms, as well […]

Iraq Explores Expanded Collaboration with Technip Energies

By John Lee. During his official visit to London, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with Fakhri Dhaidan, Vice President of French engineering company Technip Energies, to discuss the company's ongoing and future operations in Iraq. The meeting focused on Technip Energies' consultancy work for the Karbala and Basra refineries and its role in […]

PM to announce $billions in UK-Iraq Projects

By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani has arrived in London on an official visit, during which he will meet His Majesty King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, senior officials in the British government and business leaders. Writing in The Telegraph, Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasised the opportunities for cooperation between the two […]

Iraq to create New State-Owned Bank

By John Lee. The Iraqi Cabinet has approved significant banking reforms, including the establishment of a new, innovative financial institution named Rafidain First Bank [Rafidain Al-Awal Bank]. The new bank aims to lead regional financial markets and provide advanced digital banking services. Key Details: New Bank Creation: Rafidain First Bank will operate as a joint-stock […]

Iraqi to allow Squatters to Buy Property

By John Lee. The Iraqi Council of Ministers (Cabinet) has approved a framework to legalise ownership of municipal land occupied by informal settlers (squatters) before December 10, 2024. The decision includes specific terms to ensure fair and regulated sales under Law No. 21 of 2013. Key provisions: Land Sales: Municipal authorities in Baghdad and other […]

EY Consults on Restructuring of Iraqi State-Owned Banks

By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has chaired a meeting with representatives from Ernst & Young (EY) to discuss the development of state-owned banks, focusing on the restructuring of Al Rafidain Bank and Al-Rasheed Bank. The restructuring plan includes comprehensive technical and administrative reforms aimed at enhancing banking services for citizens and businesses. […]

Iraq Launches National Cybersecurity Centre

By John Lee. Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed S. Al-Sudani inaugurated Iraq's Cybersecurity Centre, a key initiative under the Ministry of Interior. During a tour of the facility, Al-Sudani reviewed its operations and received briefings from staff on its national significance. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening cybersecurity measures, emphasising […]