Baghdad: The Ministry of Planning and the World Bank have engaged in discussions to extend the Iraq Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF) projects, aligning with the directives of the Iraqi government.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Planning released a statement indicating that the fourteenth meeting of the IRRF Steering Committee took place to deliberate on the extension of the Fund's projects. This meeting was attended by Emmanuel Salinas Mu±oz, the World Bank's Country Director in Iraq.

Maher Hammad Johan, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning for Technical Affairs, chaired the meeting and emphasized the necessity of sustained coordination and cooperation between the Ministry and the World Bank. This collaboration aims to ensure that the Fund's objectives are met, as the funded projects play a crucial role in supporting government efforts toward economic reform, sustainable recovery, and reconstruction of affected areas.

Saher Abdulkadhim Mahdi, Director General of International Cooperation, highlighted that the meeting covered an evaluation of ongoing projects by beneficiaries and the decision to extend the Fund's duration. Additionally, the participants reviewed projects under World Bank supervision and followed up on previously discussed projects that have not received full approval from the Steering Committee.

The agenda also considered the potential extension of the Fund's duration for approximately two years from the meeting date. This extension would allow more time to complete funded projects and ensure the optimal use of remaining funds, aligning with the Iraqi government's current directions and priorities for development.

The meeting included Matthias Meyer, Director of the Iraq Reform, Recovery, and Reconstruction Fund, Dr. Farhad Nimatullah Hussein, Deputy Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, along with Steering Committee members from donor agencies and representatives of relevant ministries and government entities.

This session is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Planning and the World Bank, aiming to enhance the efficiency of development project implementation and achieve results that support Iraq's reform and recovery path. This initiative strives for balanced and sustainable development that mirrors the state's priorities at this stage.