Cabinet Issues Key Decisions on Agriculture, Health, and Energy Sectors

The Cabinet held its regular session on Tuesday evening, chaired by Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaydi, during which the general situation in the country was discussed along with several agenda items. At the start of the session, the Prime Minister instructed newly approved deputy ministers to take an oath of service to the Iraqi people, commit to the constitution and law, protect public funds, avoid personal exploitation, and prioritize citizens' interests with professional governmental work. The Cabinet approved granting the Ministry of Agriculture the authority to import all agricultural crops until December 31, 2026, aiming to enhance food security. The Council also decided to waive customs duties on imported solar energy systems to encourage the use of clean energy and support the private sector. In the electricity sector, the Cabinet approved signing a contract for power supply ranging between 600 and 1000 megawatts by the General Company for Electricity Transmission in the northern region. Regarding the health sector, approval was given to release shipments of medicines, medical supplies, and vaccines from border crossings with deferred customs fees, provided the Ministry commits to paying dues upon realization, exempting them from storage fees and fines until the next federal budget law is enacted. The Cabinet also approved the draft amendment to the Medical and Health Professions Grading Law No. 6 of 2000, referring it to the Parliament after review by the Council of State. In maritime transport, the Cabinet ratified the maritime transport agreement between Iraq and Qatar and referred it to the Parliament. To meet oil facilities' needs, the Cabinet approved a recommendation allowing Basra Oil Company to use formation water from the Dabdaba formation for washing purposes at the central processing station and to use the business support camp for the development project of the Tuba field until an alternative water source is available. In efforts to enhance water security, the Cabinet granted the Ministry of Water Resources the authority to directly invite reputable international companies to approve detailed designs for the second phase of constructing a cutoff dam on the Shatt al-Arab in Basra province.