Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani led the twenty-sixth regular session of the Council of Ministers, focusing on the country’s general situation and governmental progress. The session involved a thorough review of the agenda and resulted in several key decisions being made.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Council prioritized addressing water scarcity and the drought season’s impact, particularly in the Basra Governorate. In response to directives from Al-Sudani, the Council voted to immediately allocate 5 billion dinars for the maintenance of irrigation projects and to complete the lining of the Basra Canal. Additionally, they allocated 13 billion dinars for the maintenance of pumping stations, side seals, and cleaning canal sections to prevent water shortages.

During the session, the Council reviewed the Federal Board of Supreme Audit’s 2024 annual report to identify and rectify deficiencies in each ministry’s performance. They also examined the fourth-quarter 2024 report of the Iraq Recovery Fund, under the provisions of the amended Recovery Law (No. 9 of 2012), aiming to enhance performance in line with the ministerial program.

The Council of Ministers also approved amendments to its Resolution No. 24204 of 2024, involving the allocation of lands within the security fence of Baghdad International Airport to the Ministry of Transport. This decision supports the newly established Airports Management Directorate for civil aviation purposes, aligning with the master plan for Baghdad Airport’s development. Provisions were made for the Civil Aviation Authority regarding building occupancy and land leasing, ensuring compliance with national and international aviation safety standards.