Baghdad: Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh Al Sari met in Baghdad with Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) office in Iraq, Catarina Hansen, to discuss avenues for advancing financial and technical cooperation and supporting development priorities in Iraq.

According to Qatar News Agency, a statement by the Iraqi Finance Ministry highlighted that Al Sari emphasized Iraq's focus on reinforcing development spending and supporting strategic projects, particularly in the agriculture and infrastructure sectors. This focus aims to foster a more attractive investment and production climate to support development growth and promote service levels, despite economic challenges and pressures on public revenues.

Hansen affirmed the EBRD's commitment to backing Iraqi efforts in economic and financial reform. She highlighted that the bank is prepared to expand its programs and initiatives in the energy, water, banking, and private-sector funding areas, thereby strengthening the paths of sustainable development in Iraq.