New Speaker Al-Mashhadani meets with President Rashid and Taqaddum leader Al-Halbousi

BAGHDAD — Newly-elected Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani held separate meetings on Saturday with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Taqaddum Party leader Mohammad Al-Halbousi, focusing on strengthening intergovernmental coordination and advancing critical legislation.

In his meeting with President Rashid at the parliament building, Al-Mashhadani received congratulations on his recent election to the Speaker’s post. The two leaders discussed reinforcing mechanisms for cooperation between the presidency and parliament to expedite legislation benefiting Iraqi citizens, particularly in security, political, and economic spheres, according to a statement from Al-Mashhadani’s media office.

“For his part, Speaker Dr. Mahmoud al-Mashhadani expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the congratulations and well-wishes from the President,” the statement said. “He affirmed the Speaker’s office’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities in a manner that serves the supreme interests of Iraq and its people.”

Al-Mashhadani’s election on Thursday ended a nearly year-long vacancy left after former Speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi’s removal by the judiciary last November, concluding months of political stalemate over the selection of a successor.

Later in the day, Al-Mashhadani met with Taqaddum leader Al-Halbousi to discuss the importance of cooperation among political parties in implementing the political agreement and enacting relevant legislation. The two discussed Iraq’s political landscape, underscoring the need for parliamentary oversight and coordination to ensure the ministerial program’s success, as well as advancing essential laws in line with Iraq’s national agenda.

“The meeting discussed the political situation, the importance of cooperation and integration between the authorities, and strengthening their role,” read a statement from Al-Mashhadani’s office. “It also emphasized the enactment of important laws and the need for coordination among political forces to implement the political agreement and monitor the ministerial program.”

A seasoned politician, Al-Mashhadani previously served as Iraq’s speaker of parliament from 2006 to 2008, becoming the first to assume the role following the U.S.-led invasion. He has also served as President of the Arab Parliamentary Union. A trained medical doctor, he graduated from Baghdad College of Medicine in 1972 and later took on significant political roles, including participating in the Constitutional Drafting Committee.