Outgoing PM meets President Amedi as parliament prepares for confidence vote

BAGHDAD — Outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Sunday with President Nizar Amedi to discuss the political situation amid ongoing government formation talks, with both sides stressing “the importance of strengthening understandings among national forces based on the principle of partnership.”

The meeting emphasized projects related to “reform, development, and economic progress” in a way that meets “the aspirations of citizens across the country,” according to a statement from Sudani’s media office.

Parliament is preparing its chamber for a confidence vote on Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, with seats already arranged for Zaidi and his ministerial nominees. No official date has been announced. Zaidi submitted his government program to Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi on Thursday and faces a constitutional deadline at the end of May to present his cabinet for a vote.