Iraqi PM al-Sudani meets UN coordinator, discusses economic reform support

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met with UN Resident Coordinator for Iraq Peter Hawkins in Baghdad to discuss cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, focusing on development and economic partnerships. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the two sides reviewed UN support for development programs, reform efforts, institutional capacity-building and technical advisory work. Al-Sudani outlined the government's economic reform agenda, including rural development, support for the agricultural sector and measures to expand the private sector. He said the establishment of a Development Fund would help finance agricultural projects, industrial cities and investments in healthcare and education, with the projects to be implemented by the private sector. He emphasized that Iraq would continue to draw on UN experience and programs during its reform and development process. Hawkins said the United Nations supports the Iraqi government's efforts to advance economic reform, private-sector development and development goals. No further details on specific commitments or timelines were immediately available.