Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired the 19th regular session of the Council of Ministers on Sunday, where several significant decisions were made concerning national infrastructure, energy, and international agreements.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s Media Office reported that the session included discussions on the country’s general situation, key issues, and the agenda items, leading to necessary decisions. A major focus was on ensuring electricity provision to citizens during the summer, with the approval of providing kerosene fuel to private generators at no cost. Preparations for the Arab Summit were reviewed, ensuring readiness for the event.

The Prime Minister directed a consultative meeting between the Ministry of Electricity and the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers regarding the Al-Khairat Thermal Investment Power Plant project. The session also saw the Ministry of Electricity renewing a contract to secure up to 150 megawatts of power on a “take and pay” basis, with authorization granted for signing the contract.

Additionally, the Council authorized the Ministry of Finance to sign a loan agreement, backed by the German Export Credit Agency and other international banks, to fund Ministry of Electricity projects. These projects involve the installation of substations as part of energy cooperation with Siemens.

The Council approved the draft law for Iraq’s accession to the 2016 Framework Agreement for the International Solar Alliance, with a reservation regarding the Zionist entity. Election preparations were also discussed, with an extension granted to the Independent High Electoral Commission for using school buildings until the end of 2025.

Furthermore, the Council approved the continuation of the Basra Oil Company’s South Basra Integrated Project, included in the federal budget as ongoing. Settlement procedures between the Greek company Archirodon and the Iraqi Ports Company were followed up, with an escrow account to be opened for contract implementation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was authorized to approve food item imports for diplomatic missions under the Customs Tariff Law and Vienna Convention. Lastly, the Council ratified a draft law for a mutual investment protection agreement with Turkey, forwarding it to the Council of Representatives.