Iraq: OPEC+ Aims for Oil Market Stability

A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)
A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)
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Iraq: OPEC+ Aims for Oil Market Stability

A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)
A model of an oil rig with the “OPEC” logo in the background (Reuters)

The goal of OPEC+ meetings is to stabilize the oil market, Iraqi Oil Ministry Spokesperson Asim Jihad affirmed on Saturday, saying decisions are based on market conditions.

“If more oil is needed, production increases; if not, production is cut,” said Jihad, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

Jihad emphasized Iraq’s role in OPEC+ meetings, where decisions are made collectively to stabilize and balance the market. He highlighted voluntary reduction efforts, beneficial for both producers and consumers.

OPEC+ recently decided to maintain current production levels. It reviewed data showing high compliance with production quotas from both OPEC and non-OPEC countries.

The Ministerial Monitoring Committee welcomed commitments from Iraq and Kazakhstan to comply with quotas and compensate for overproduction. It also welcomed Russia’s plan to base adjustments on production rather than exports in 2024’s second quarter.

Countries with excess production between January and March 2024 will submit detailed compensation plans by April 30, 2024.

The committee pledged to monitor market conditions closely and take further action if needed. Saudi Arabia extended voluntary production cuts until June.

OPEC+ members, led by Saudi Arabia, agreed to extend voluntary production cuts by 2.2 million barrels per day. When these cuts end in June, total cuts will decrease to 3.66 million barrels per day.

The OPEC+ Ministerial Monitoring Committee meets every two months to provide policy recommendations, which are then discussed and ratified by all members.



SAMA: Saudi Arabia Unites Regional Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
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SAMA: Saudi Arabia Unites Regional Efforts to Combat Money Laundering

A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)
A group photo during the MENAFATF conference in Riyadh (X)

Governor of the Saudi Central Bank Ayman Al-Sayari reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to unifying regional efforts to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons, as well as addressing challenges faced by all nations in these areas.

Al-Sayari was speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the conference “Latest Developments in Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Weapons Proliferation,” held on the sidelines of the 39th General Meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF).

He highlighted the 20th anniversary of MENAFATF’s establishment, praising its role in raising awareness and deepening understanding of international requirements across the region, which he said has helped relevant agencies in member states strengthen their compliance with global standards.

Al-Sayari commended the efforts of Saudi authorities, particularly through specialized permanent committees, to enhance the effectiveness of anti-money laundering measures and improve the Kingdom’s adherence to international obligations.

He emphasized that as money laundering, terrorist financing, and weapons proliferation crimes continue to evolve rapidly, with increasingly complex methods, countries are striving to update their legislative and regulatory frameworks to keep pace with these changes.

Al-Sayari also underscored Saudi Arabia’s support for the goals of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under Mexico’s presidency, aimed at combating financial flows that fuel money laundering and terrorism. These efforts, he stressed, contribute to the integrity, stability, and sustainable growth of the global economy.

Saudi Arabia actively participates in FATF discussions to ensure that cross-border transactions are more efficient, transparent, and inclusive, while maintaining compliance with due diligence requirements and other necessary safeguards.

Separately, Al-Sayari held discussions with FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo on key updates and mutual areas of interest in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and weapons proliferation.