Iraqi PM al-Zaydi receives al-Kadhimiya shrine delegation in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falah al-Zaydi met on Wednesday in Baghdad with a delegation from the al-Kadhimiya shrine, led by the shrine's secretary general, Haydar Abdulamir Mehdi. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Press Office, the meeting focused on plans for the shrine's service and reconstruction projects. Al-Zaydi received a detailed presentation on projects aimed at easing the flow of visitors, particularly during the million-strong pilgrimage periods, the statement said. He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the holy shrines and providing the best services to visitors. The two sides discussed cooperation to accommodate the rising number of visitors arriving from within Iraq and abroad. The statement added that supporting the shrines would strengthen and revitalize religious tourism in the country. No further details on the specific projects or timelines were immediately available.