Iraq PM reiterates government support for holy shrine service projects

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falah al-Zidi received a delegation from the Al-Abbas Holy Shrine in Baghdad on Tuesday, his office said, reaffirming the government's backing for service and reconstruction projects carried out by the country's holy shrines. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, al-Zidi was briefed on preparations for religious visits and the work of a higher committee overseeing the million-strong pilgrimages. The prime minister said the government would continue supporting the shrines' efforts to complete service and reconstruction projects aimed at accommodating the rising number of visitors from inside and outside Iraq. The statement added that these steps are expected to contribute to strengthening religious tourism in the country. No further details on specific projects or timelines were provided in the readout.