عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Iraq PM's Washington Visit Aims to Resolve 'Dollar Crisis'

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seen during the launch of the food basket program. (Iraqi prime minister's office)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seen during the launch of the food basket program. (Iraqi prime minister's office)
TT
TT

Iraq PM's Washington Visit Aims to Resolve 'Dollar Crisis'

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seen during the launch of the food basket program. (Iraqi prime minister's office)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is seen during the launch of the food basket program. (Iraqi prime minister's office)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein are preparing to visit Washington separately to discuss two main issues: the dollar crisis and the “strategic framework” agreement between Baghdad and the US.

While Hussein is slated to visit the US late next week, he announced that Sudani would also visit during the coming period.

Hussein’s visit was initially planned to discuss the “strategic framework” agreement, especially amid renewed calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, but the recent dollar’s rise against the Iraqi dinar has changed the agenda of his trip and that of the PM.

On Monday, stressed affirmed that the government was interested in raising the value of its national currency against the dollar.

Aide to Sudani, Hussein Allawi told Asharq Al-Awsat that “Iraqi-US relations are moving towards an advanced level in cooperation and partnership in light of their strategic framework agreement.”

“Upcoming visits to the US by an Iraqi government delegation and Sudani clearly confirm that there are paths aimed at strengthening this relationship through discussing relevant files,” explained Allawi.

Moreover, he revealed that Iraq would discuss common visions in promoting mutual investments.

Iraq is seeking to boost investments and contracts in the field of rice, power plants, renewable energy, the financial sector, and American commercial products.

Sudani’s visit to Washington coincided with his decision to dismiss Central Bank Governor Mustafa Ghaleb Mukheef and Salem al-Jalbi, Director of the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) following a weekslong plunge of the dinar.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Al-Alimi to UN Envoy: Houthis Not a Reliable Peace Partner

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
TT
TT

Al-Alimi to UN Envoy: Houthis Not a Reliable Peace Partner

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi welcomes UN Envoy Grundberg in Aden, Yemen (SABA)

UN envoy Hans Grundberg is working to address the Yemeni crisis, but Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has questioned the Houthi militias’ trustworthiness for peace.

During Grundberg’s visit to Aden, the interim capital, Al-Alimi told him that the Houthis may not be a reliable partner. Grundberg had called for “constructive dialogue” to ease tensions.

Yemen’s state media reported that Al-Alimi received an update on Grundberg’s recent talks and his focus on reducing tensions and restarting the peace process, which has been disrupted by “Houthi terrorist groups supported by Iran.”

Grundberg thanked Yemen’s PLC and government for their work to reduce tensions and prevent a return to widespread conflict, according to SABA News Agency.

On his part, al-Alimi reaffirmed support for the UN’s efforts to restart a political process based on a Saudi roadmap.

He also supported UN efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation caused by Houthi attacks on oil facilities and shipping lanes, which he said are backed by Iran.

Al-Alimi stressed the need for continued local, regional, and international attention on Houthi actions, including human rights abuses and measures against Yemenia Airways that worsen humanitarian conditions and damage the airline’s reputation.

The Houthi group, backed by Iran, is holding four Yemenia Airways planes in Sanaa and blocking the airline from accessing around $120 million in its bank accounts.

The PLC chief said a recent failed Houthi attack on the Safir oil facility in Marib shows the Houthis are not a reliable partner for peace. He accused them of prioritizing their supporters’ interests over Yemen’s needs.

Al-Alimi stressed the need for international unity and listening to Yemenis’ calls for stability and peace, in line with UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 2216.

Grundberg, who has not reported progress on economic issues between the Yemeni government and the Houthis, urged for constructive dialogue to reduce tensions. His office stated that he and Al-Alimi discussed the urgent need for a broader dialogue to ease tensions across Yemen.

Grundberg has expressed concern over UN staff held by the Houthis and renewed the UN Secretary-General’s call for their immediate release.

The UN diplomat ended his visit to Muscat, where he met with Omani officials and Houthi negotiator Mohammad Abdelsalam. He stressed the urgent need for de-escalation in Yemen and urged the Houthis to prioritize the well-being of the Yemeni people.

Grundberg also called for the immediate release of the detained UN staff during his meetings. Before Muscat, he discussed de-escalation efforts with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammad Al Jaber in Riyadh.

In Riyadh, Grundberg met with the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council members, highlighting the need for a unified approach to support peace talks and a ceasefire in Yemen.