Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired the 12th regular session of the Council of Ministers, during which critical discussions on the country’s situation took place, alongside the review and issuance of necessary directives and decisions.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s Media Office announced in a press release that the Council of Ministers declared August 3-4, 2026, as public holidays to facilitate the smooth return of pilgrims following the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein.

In efforts to enhance Iraq’s international relations, the Council approved the activation of the Iraq-Turkey Framework Agreement on water resources, with the financing mechanism for related projects set to commence on September 1, 2026.

To diversify Iraq’s crude oil export routes, the Council authorized the CEO of Basra Oil Company to sign a memorandum with the Syrian Ministry of Energy for a pipeline project connecting Iraqi oil to global markets via the Mediterranean. Additionally, the Minister of Oil received authorization to engage with a consortium of companies to explore and develop the Akkas Field in western Iraq.

The Council also decided to announce the Integrated Qayyarah Project for competitive bidding to develop oil infrastructure. Furthermore, they approved recommendations for field management services and contracts related to the West Qurna-2 Field and drilling the Qara Tapa-A exploratory well, exempting it from certain government contracts regulations.

In the energy sector, the Council agreed to cover costs for a 3.6-kilometer underground transmission line project and extended a power station contract to supply electricity, ensuring a generation capacity of 350 megawatts until September 2026.

Addressing the education sector, the Council voted on allowances for gifted students abroad, coordinating with the Ministry of Higher Education to propose tuition fees based on the country of study.