Day: 22 June 2023

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Iraq stresses the importance of promoting dialogue between the parties involved in the Syrian crisis

The Iraqi delegation participating in the Astana talks stressed today, Thursday, the importance of strengthening dialogue among the parties concerned with the Syrian crisis.

The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Al-Sahaf, said in a statement, “The head of the Iraqi delegation participating in the Astana talks, Ambassador Qahtan Taha Khalaf, affirmed Iraq’s position to provide support and assistance to the Syrian Arab Republic through the Astana formula, which aims to enhance dialogue among the parties concerned with the Syrian crisis and provide the necessary solutions to solve it.

He added that Iraq also stresses the need to find a solution to the issue of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries, and to study the ways of this file by intensifying cooperation among all parties.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Dreamliner officially joins the Iraqi Airways fleet

The Ministry of Transport announced Today, Thursday, that the Iraqi Airways General Company had received the first B787-8 plane, known as the Dreamliner, to officially join the fleet of the national carrier.

The Ministry said in a statement: “The General Company for Iraqi Airways, one of the formations of the Ministry of Transport, has received the first batch of a contract for the purchase of ten aircraft of this model B787-8, known as the Dreamliner, which is considered one of the distinguished and exceptional models in the world of aviation.

The Ministry’s statement quoted the company’s Director General, Eng. Manaf Abdel Moneim, as saying: “The Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, strongly supports the work to modernize the national carrier’s fleet, with aircraft of solid international origins, stressing that the steps to modernize the company’s fleet are continuing, as four planes have previously joined Boeing MAX model out of sixteen aircraft contracted to be purchased by Iraqi Airways.

He pointed out that the Iraqi crew, consisting of: Chief Engineer of Aircraft Raed Al-Dhahabi, Director of the Modern Aircraft Project, Captain Ali Al-Yasiri, and Captain Ali Al-Hadidi, had piloted the plane on a direct flight from the United States of America, specifically from the Boeing Charleston Factory, to Baghdad, and the trip took about 13 flight hours.

He stated: “In line with the ministerial program, the General Airlines Company is close to strengthening its air fleet with other modern aircraft in the near future, within the framework of its endeavors to increase the efficiency of the company’s air fleet and achieve safe travel with high luxury for passengers.”

The Ministry noted: “The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner accommodates 266 passengers, divided into two classes: (Businessmen with 24 seats) and (Economy with 242 seats), explaining that the flight range of this type of aircraft is about 15,000 km, an average of 18 flying hours.

It indicated: “It is characterized by high technology, which is reflected in the comfort and safety of travelers.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

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Germany re-affirms rejection of Ukraine’s joining of the NATO

The German Government on Thursday re-affirmed its rejection for allowing Ukraine join the NATO, a stance renewed ahead of the forthcoming summit of the western alliance.

Prime Minister Olaf Scholz said in an address to the parliament (the Bundestag) that Ukraine’s joining of the NATO currently or ahead of the war end “is out of the question.” The NATO will focus on enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities, he said, re-affirming that Berlin would continue to supply Kyiv with arms it may need in the war against Russia.

Germany has already supplied USD 18.60 billion worth of aid to Ukraine, he affirmed, indicating that Berlin had made sure that Kyiv would get powerful air defenses, armored vehicles and ammunition.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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US coast guard ship sails through Taiwan Strait

The US Navy’s 7th Fleet announced on Thursday that US Coast Guard ship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, a day before a Chinese naval fleet led by an aircraft carrier sailed.

The 7th Fleet under the US Pacific Command said in a statement that the Legend-class National Security Cutter (USCGC Stratton) transited through Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, “through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law.” The Central News Agency (CAN) said that Taiwan’s Defense Ministry stated on Wednesday that , a Chinese fleet led by the Shandong aircraft carrier and consisting of an unspecified number of ships transited through the Taiwan Strait.

The Ministry also said that Taiwanese military closely monitored airspace and waters around the island through its joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system, adding that it also deployed an appropriate amount of military assets in responding to the situation.

China and Taiwan separated after a civil war in 1949, but Beijing still sees the island as its territory.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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UN urges Iraq, Kurdistan Region to diversify sources of income

Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Abdallah Al Dardari discussed with Iraqi governments’ officials and Kurdistan Regions’ officials the importance of diversifying sources of income.

In a statement, Kurdistan Region government said that this came during a meeting between UN delegation headed by Al-Dardari and President of Kurdistan Region Nechervan Barzani, where the UN delegation affirmed that they aim to help Kurdistan Region to diversify sources of income rather than just relying on oil. Barzani affirmed that the future of Iraq and Kurdistan Regin depends on diversifying sources of income and economy, as the two sides discussed the climate change and its serious effect on Iraq, while the UN delegation affirmed support for Iraq and Kurdistan to face it.

The delegation referred to their meeting with the Investment Authority in the Kurdistan Region, in which they expressed UN’s readiness to support Kurdistan region in developing a plan to attract foreign investment and create job opportunities for young people.

Barzani welcomed Al-Dardari and UNDP plans, and wished him luck on his mission, while praising his efforts to help Iraq and Kurdistan Region. Later on Thursday the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani met with UN delegation and discussed facing the negative effects of climate change and the importance of protecting water sources.

According to a statement by the UNDP, Al-Dardaris’ visit comes at an important time for Iraq after achieving stability and now is going through a transitional phase towards maintaining peace through long-term development solutions.

During his mission, Al-Dardari will meet with senior government officials, private sector, civil society organizations and youth representatives to discuss the UNDP work and its contribution to Iraq’s developmental priorities and achieving the sustainable development goals.

Al-Dardari mission includes field visits to liberated areas to meet with national and local partners, and southern Iraq as well as the Kurdistan region to meet partners and stakeholders in society.

He will also hold discussions with leading thinkers, economists, community leaders, and experts in the fields of climate change, environmental policy, and financing tools to support the green transition towards a sustainable economy.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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Kuwait FM receives call from Lebanese counterpart

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has received a telephone call from his Lebanese counterpart Dr. Abdullah Bouhabib.

The Lebanese minister congratulated Sheikh Salem Abdullah on his re-appointment as minister of external affairs, wishing him success and hoping to see the close bilateral relations growing stronger.

The two sides discussed international and regional topics, including developments on the Lebanese arena.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

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Kuwait Airways signs maintenance deal with Rolls Royce

Kuwait Airways on Thursday signed “TotalCare” maintenance deal with Rolls Royce to improve (Trent 7000) engines in the A330neo aircraft.

In a press release, Kuwait Airways said that this agreement will allow the use of technology to monitor engine quality and performance which decreases turbulence and unscheduled repairs.

On this occasion, in a statement for KUNA, Kuwait Airways Chairman Captain Ali Al-Dukhan said, “we are delighted to sign this deal with Rolls Royce which will help reach our target through enhancing the quality of our aircraft engines and fuel competence.” “This will also have a positive effect on our customers by predicting engine problems and emergencies early to avoid delays in operations,” he added.

On his part, Director of Civil Aerospace at Rolls Royce Rob Watson said, “we have a long relationship with Kuwait Airways to enhance its fleet and we look forward to developing this relationship through continuous expansion and providing a world class experience for their customers.”

Source: Kuwait News Agency