Iraqi PM Sudani meets Ammar al-Hakim to discuss financial crisis

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met with Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the National State Forces Alliance, on Sunday to discuss ways out of Iraq's ongoing financial crisis. According to a statement from al-Hakim's office, the meeting at the prime minister's office in the afternoon focused on measures to stabilize public finances. The two sides discussed diversifying oil export channels and expanding revenue sources as a path to resolving the fiscal shortfall. They also reviewed efforts by the government and the public to ensure the smooth completion of the Arbaeen commemorations marking the 40th day after Ashura. Al-Hakim expressed support for the government's steps toward building genuine partnerships with regional countries and the wider world. He reaffirmed backing for the cabinet's reform agenda and anti-corruption efforts, and both sides stressed the need to complete the formation of the remaining government positions. No further details on the discussions were immediately available.