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Armenia heads to the polls on 7 June in a key parliamentary vote seen as a test of its democratic reforms and political direction since 2018. Prime Mi...
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al‑Zaidi will pay an official visit to the United States, bringing with him a delegation of business leaders, private‑sector representatives and banking officials, in an effort to boost investment and deepen economic ties with Washington.
Al‑Zaidi announced the trip during a meeting with business leaders, members of private‑sector development bodies, representatives of the Iraqi Economic Council and heads of private banks. He said the inclusion of private‑sector figures reflects the government’s focus on expanding joint investment opportunities and building stronger partnerships with international stakeholders.
The visit comes as Iraq seeks to attract foreign investment and diversify its oil‑dependent economy, while also balancing its relationships with global partners.
Energy cooperation, particularly in oil and gas development, as well as infrastructure investment, is expected to feature prominently in discussions with U.S. counterparts. Officials are also likely to explore concrete agreements and partnerships aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation.
Al‑Zaidi described the private sector as a key partner in the government’s development agenda, stressing that Baghdad is committed to supporting business activity and addressing investor concerns. He reiterated the government’s pledge to combat corruption and extortion, positioning reform efforts as central to improving Iraq’s investment climate.
The prime minister also announced plans to establish a development fund to support private‑sector projects, backed by a $10 billion contribution from the Central Bank of Iraq. He said citizens would be able to subscribe to the fund, with profits exempt from taxes, in a bid to encourage broader participation in economic growth.
The planned visit underscores Iraq’s push to present itself as a more competitive destination for international business, as the government faces mounting pressure to deliver jobs and reduce reliance on oil revenues. A date has not yet been announced, but it will be the first official foreign visit since al-Zaidi was elected on 1 May 2026.
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More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
Five Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and three others were injured after two cargo vessels were hit in a drone attack in the Sea of Azov, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said on Friday, as Russia blamed Ukraine for the strike.
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People across Gaza are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions struggling to access food, clean water, shelter and medical care as the conflict continues.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said Russian forces attacked two civilian search and rescue vessels operating in Ukrainian waters on Saturday, leaving several people injured.
The United States has approved the possible sale of five Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, as Wellington moves to strengthen its armed forces.
The United States has announced an additional $38 million to support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as health officials warn that the virus could spread further without stronger action.
More than 6,000 people gathered outside a vote-counting centre in Seoul on Friday night, demanding this week’s local elections be repeated after ballot shortages left some voters unable to cast their ballots.
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