Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi met today with United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, Abdallah Al Dardari, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting focused on crucial issues such as mechanisms for financing private-sector projects, strengthening social protection programmes, and the establishment of a Development Fund. Discussions also addressed the situation of displaced Yazidis and efforts to provide suitable conditions for their return, in addition to the possibility of allocating residential land plots to them under the One Million Residential Plots Project.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi emphasized the significance of Iraq's relationship with United Nations programmes, particularly in economic and development sectors. He highlighted the government's economic policy aimed at achieving comprehensive development across various fields and its efforts to review legislation related to the economic landscape in line with emerging economic priorities. This approach is intended to serve citizens and promote stability and development.

Prime Minister Al-Zaidi further elaborated that the government is currently preparing Iraq's development plan through 2050, which will be presented to the Council of Representatives as a bill. A key priority of this plan is the completion of the One Million Residential Plots Project. This initiative is being implemented across all governorates based on population size and poverty rates, ensuring equitable distribution of services and development opportunities.

Abdallah Al Dardari expressed his congratulations to Prime Minister Al-Zaidi on the government's gaining the confidence of the Council of Representatives. He affirmed the United Nations Development Programme's readiness to support Iraq's efforts, particularly in facilitating the return of displaced Yazidis, modernizing government institutions, and supporting anti-corruption efforts.