First Iraqi Bank Branch Opens in Saudi Arabia

via AAAWSAT AR.
via AAAWSAT AR.
TT

First Iraqi Bank Branch Opens in Saudi Arabia

via AAAWSAT AR.
via AAAWSAT AR.

Riyadh witnessed on Thursday the opening of "The Trade Bank of Iraq" (TBI), which was launched on the sidelines of the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi who was accompanied by a large delegation to Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance opened the branch which is the first in the Kingdom. It will begin operating officially in mid-May.

The Deputy Prime Minister was joined by Ahmed Al Khulaifi, governor of SAMA.

For his part, Hussein said: “This is a hugely significant day for the financial sector of Iraq and the country as a whole.

“This is an important step towards reinforcing our relationship with the Saudi government and we look forward to advance bilateral ties between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.”

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a press statement following the meeting between King Salman and Mahdi highlighting the strong historical ties between the two sisterly countries and stressing the importance of investing the great potentialities and opportunities to enhance the existing cooperation.

Mahdi also met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

They discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and the latest developments at regional and international arenas.

The two sides also agreed to continue consultation and coordination to enhance the unity of Arab ranks and the joint Arab action.



Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
TT

Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four more US cities, including New York, the union representing over 10,000 baristas said late on Saturday.

The five-day strike, which began on Friday and initially closed Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, has added New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, Workers United said in a statement. It did not say where the New Jersey walkout was occurring.

Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

Talks between the coffee chain and the union hit an impasse with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules, leading to the strike.

The union is striking in 10 cities, also including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season that may impact the company's Christmas sales.

Workers United warned on Friday that the strike could reach "hundreds of stores" by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.

Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April. It said this month it had conducted more than eight bargaining sessions, during which 30 agreements had been reached.

The company operates more than 11,000 stores in the United States, employing about 200,000 workers.