PM Abadi briefs media on political, security and economic developments

INA - BAGHDAD PM Haider Abadi held his weekly press conference in Baghdad, briefing political, security and economic developments. He started by welcoming President Barham Salih, and the appointment of Prime Minister-Designated Adel Abdul Mahdi. Abadi directed his office to work closely with the Prime Minister-Designated and his team and to brief them on security and defence matters, strategic investment projects, international relations and other important areas of policy. “This Iraqi government will continue to discharge its constitutionally-mandated duties, including maintaining stability and safeguarding Iraq’s national security, until the new government is formed,” Abadi said during the press conference. During a previous meeting with the Ministerial Council for National Security, Abadi has discussed the operational and intelligence-gathering capabilities of security services which have evolved in a remarkable way over the last few years; they foiled several attempts by terrorists to harm Iraqi civilians. “We agreed on several changes to simplify visa procedures for international investors; they have a leading role to play in the reconstruction and economic development of Iraq,” added the Iraqi PM.