Zaidi meets central bank chief after finance talks on economy

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi met Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen al-Allaq on Thursday to discuss monetary policy and economic stability, following earlier talks the same day with Finance Minister Taif Sami on Iraq’s financial situation.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s media office, Zaidi “met … Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen al-Allaq” as part of ongoing consultations.

The meeting included “discussion of the financial situation in the country, and monetary policy in light of the current conditions and challenges,” with both sides stressing “the importance of maintaining economic stability, and strengthening the Central Bank’s measures to achieve sustainable development in Iraq.”

Earlier Thursday, Zaidi met Finance Minister Taif Sami to review “the financial situation in Iraq, including revenues and the salaries file,” with both sides emphasizing “the importance of continuing efforts to maximize and diversify financial resources.”

The back-to-back meetings outline key economic priorities for the prime minister-designate as he works to form a new government.

The discussions come as Iraq faces pressure on its public finances due to disruptions in oil exports linked to regional tensions. Oil accounts for around 90% of government revenue, making any decline in production a major challenge for state finances and salary payments.

Zaidi was nominated earlier this week by the Coordination Framework after the withdrawal of other candidates. He has 30 days to form a cabinet, present a government program, and secure parliamentary approval.