Iraqi alliance leader meets British-Iraqi Business Council delegation in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, head of the Iraq Reconstruction and Development Alliance, met on Wednesday with a delegation from the British-Iraqi Business Council to discuss expanding economic and investment cooperation between Baghdad and London. Al-Sudani said the historical ties between Iraq and the United Kingdom run deep, and described the council as playing an important role in fostering bilateral economic and investment partnerships. The talks covered investment cooperation in infrastructure, energy, transport, agriculture and sustainable development, according to a statement from his office. Christophe Michels, the council's executive director, told the meeting that the body's work now extends beyond oil and energy to include transport, agriculture and infrastructure. Al-Sudani said the alliance would continue to back projects serving Iraq's interests through its parliamentary presence and political responsibilities. He also stressed the need for economic diversification, strengthening the private sector and reducing dependence on a rentier economy. The Iraqi leader added that the impact of regional crises on security, stability, trade and energy routes must be carefully managed. No further details on planned projects or timelines were immediately available.