Baghdad: Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al-Asadi, reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation with Australia in advancing the status of persons with disabilities and employing job seekers, highlighting Australia’s pioneering experience in these fields as beneficial for developing national programs.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this statement was made during a meeting with Mark Innes-Brown, the representative of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The discussion focused on prospects for bilateral cooperation between Iraq and Australia, particularly regarding social development, employment, and building effective partnerships with developed countries.

Al-Asadi highlighted that relations between Iraq and Australia have been distinguished since 2003, reflecting a true partnership. He praised Australia’s supportive stance toward Iraq throughout its history and emphasized Iraq’s desire for further fruitful cooperation with friendly countries, most notably Australia.

The Minister also pointed out that the government, since its formation, has focused on development and reconstruction, adopting a policy of openness to developed countries to build economic and development partnerships. He noted the Ministry of Labor’s attention to youth empowerment through issuing tens of thousands of loans to support small, income-generating projects.