Baghdad, Iraq- The Council of Ministers recently announced a series of key decisions covering diverse areas, from infrastructure development and public health to education and international relations. These approvals reflect the Iraqi government’s commitment to progress across multiple sectors.
In a move aimed at accelerating liquefied gas imports, the Cabinet approved a fast-tracked process for acquiring an FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) floating platform. Company (B1) will be officially invited to submit an offer and engage in negotiations. Significantly, the project has been exempted from government contract instructions (2 of 2014) and associated controls, streamlining the acquisition process. Project management has been authorized to directly purchase the platform, with negotiation outcomes presented to the Ministerial Council for Energy before final approval by the Council of Ministers.
The fight against narcotics and psychotropic substances has received a boost with the Cabinet’s approval of an amendment to Law No. 50 of 2017. The proposed change will include the National Mental Health Advisor at the Ministry of Health as a member of the Supreme National Authority for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances. This inclusion aims to strengthen the country’s comprehensive approach to combating substance abuse.
Recognizing the urgent need for exam materials, the Cabinet authorized the General Directorate of Evaluation and Examinations to print sixth-grade middle school exam notebooks outside of Iraq. This temporary measure, valid for one year, follows government contracting procedures under instructions for implementing government contracts (2 of 2014). The Ministry of Education provided the justification for this decision.
The Cabinet has taken significant steps to improve international relations, particularly with the Czech Republic. After previously canceling a draft agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion, the Cabinet has now approved a new approach. The Iraqi ambassador to the Czech Republic has been authorized to negotiate and sign a revised agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will prepare the necessary authorization document for the ambassador.
The Iraqi Police College will see updated admission conditions following a Cabinet approval. Proposed by the Ministry of Interior, the new rules address study fees, which will be set for students covered by Cabinet Resolution (24594 of 2024). Importantly, a reciprocity clause has been included for students from other countries, aligning with the Police College Law No. 37 of 2000 (amended).
These recent decisions highlight the Iraqi government’s focus on infrastructure development, public health initiatives, educational advancements, and strengthened international partnerships, all contributing to the nation’s ongoing progress.
