Undersecretary for Political Planning Meets Prime Minister’s Advisor for Government Performance Evaluation

Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Planning Ambassador Dr. Hisham Al Alawi, received Mr. Hazem Majeed Al Khalidi, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Government Performance Evaluation, to discuss the mandate and operational framework of the Expatriate Affairs Division, which falls under the Office of the Undersecretary for Political Planning. The meeting also explored potential avenues for cooperation with the Prime Minister’s Office and other relevant institutions.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Al Alawi provided an overview of the proposed department’s objectives and working mechanisms, in addition he expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s ongoing communicating with Iraqis abroad, particularly through recent visits to countries with significant Iraqi communities. As well Dr. Al Alawi underscored the importance of supporting the establishment of professional associations for members of the Iraqi community abroad with expertise in fields such as medicine, engineering, and academia.

Furthermore, Ambassador Al Alawi emphasized the value of opening Iraqi cultural centers in key countries, building on the successful reopening of the Iraqi Cultural Center in London during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the United Kingdom in February.

Mr. Al Khalidi reaffirmed the Prime Minister’s directive to move forward with the creation of associations and councils that bring together skilled and experienced members of the Iraqi community abroad. Ambassador Al Alawi proposed a phased approach, beginning with a focus on a select number of countries based on the size and importance of their Iraqi communities, with the possibility of expanding to additional countries in the future.