Greater Middle East (bbabo.net), - Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa Ferid Belhaj, Regional Director for the East and World Bank Director for Iraq. This was reported by the Iraqi news agency INA on December 12.

During the meeting, prospects for cooperation for the implementation of major strategic projects in various fields were discussed, ambitious programs were outlined aimed at reforming the banking sector and developing the private sector, as well as supporting government programs to combat climate change.

At the meeting, issues of implementing joint youth employment programs, reducing unemployment, and developing social protection programs were discussed. The parties also discussed the establishment of the Iraqi Reform, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Fund.

During the meeting, Prime Minister al-Sudani emphasized the government's priorities based on the social and economic needs of Iraqi citizens. He also talked about the government's intention to turn the poor into active people in the labor market through "considered and realistic" plans.

Earlier, the Iraqi leader noted that the Arab-Chinese cooperation and development summit held in Riyadh is a platform for Iraq's economic and investment integration with neighboring countries. He also added that Baghdad is keen to benefit from China's successful economic development model, particularly in the area of poverty alleviation. As reported by bbabo.net, the Prime Minister of Iraq noted that his country will be a point of convergence and integration between East and West, especially since the strategic position of Baghdad gives him the right to play a significant role.

It is worth noting that after the American invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the overthrow of the regime of Saddam Hussein, the country is going through a difficult period in its history: high terrorist activity, internal inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts and destabilization led to a severe and protracted socio-economic crisis.

bbabo.ℵet