On Tuesday, May 7th, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks, led by Mr. Wissam Hassan Fattouh, Secretary General of the Union of Arab Banks, along with esteemed participants, including Mr. Wadee Al Handal, President of the Iraqi Private Banks League and Chairman of Al Handal International Group, alongside other dignitaries.

At the onset of the meeting, His Excellency extended a warm welcome to the convening of the Arab Banks Conference in Baghdad, expressing Iraq's delight in hosting such gatherings, which affirm Iraq's reclamation of its rightful position in the region and the world.

The Prime Minister underscored the indispensability of a robust banking system for the success of the financial and economic reform initiatives undertaken by the government. He emphasized that the government has prioritized this matter since its inception, recognizing the imperative of Iraqi banks aligning with global standards. His Excellency highlighted the ongoing coordination between financial and monetary policies with the Central Bank while ensuring the bank's autonomy.

His Excellency noted that the government's transparent policy has facilitated the identification and rectification of deficiencies within the banking system. He highlighted the Development RoadProject as a pivotal component of regional economic integration, welcoming the prospect of a banking workshop to explore the role of banks in the project and the establishment of industrial cities along its trajectory.

In response, the Union of Banks delegation commended the government's initiatives aimed at banking sector reform, viewing them as clear and strategic measures to fortify and advance the sector's operations. They also expressed gratitude for the government's efforts in supporting the private sector and bolstering its contribution to sustainable development and fostering international and regional collaborations.