Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Chairs the 12th Regular Session of the Council of Ministers ••••• Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired, this evening, Saturday, the 12th regular session of the Council of Ministers, during which the overall situation in the country was discussed, the items on the agenda were reviewed, and the necessary directives and decisions were issued. On the occasion of the Arbaeen commemoration of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), and to ensure the smooth return of pilgrims following the pilgrimage, the Council of Ministers declared Monday and Tuesday, August 3–4, 2026, public holidays. As part of efforts to strengthen Iraq’s external relations, the Council of Ministers voted to activate the Iraq–Türkiye Framework Agreement on water resources, with the financing mechanism for projects under the agreement to enter into force on September 1, 2026. To diversify Iraq’s crude oil export routes and outlets, the Council of Ministers approved authorizing the Chief Executive Officer of Basra Oil Company to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Oil and the Syrian Ministry of Energy concerning the establishment of a pipeline project linking Iraqi oil production to global export markets through the Mediterranean Sea. The Council also authorized the Minister of Oil to sign a memorandum of understanding with the consortium of companies (ConocoPhillips, TI Capital, and NovaTerr) to commence discussions on assessing the exploration and development potential of the Akkas Field in western Iraq and the surrounding areas. To develop oil infrastructure and increase production capacity, the Council of Ministers voted to authorize the Ministry of Oil to announce the Integrated Qayyarah Project for competitive bidding in accordance with the Government Contracts Implementation Instructions No. (1 of 2025). The Council also approved the recommendation concerning the Integrated Field Management Services (IFMS) and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) services contract for the West Qurna-2 Field of Basra Oil Company. In the same sector, the Council approved the recommendation to exempt the tender for drilling the Qara Tapa-A exploratory well from the provisions of Council of Ministers Resolutions No. (1128 of 2025) and No. (325 of 2026), which regulate government contracting. In the electricity sector, the Council approved the recommendation to cover the costs of implementing field works related to the 3.6-kilometer underground transmission line, with Basra Oil Company providing the materials and cables required for the project. The Council also approved the recommendation to extend the contract addendum for the floating power stations supplying electricity from June 24, 2026, through September 30, 2026, providing a generation capacity of 350 megawatts in return for a daily service fee. As part of the government’s support for the education sector, the Council of Ministers voted to address the issue of allowances for gifted students studying abroad under the Scholarships, Fellowships, and Financial Assistance Regulation No. (3 of 2018). It also approved adding a provision to Council of Ministers Resolution No. (24803 of 2024) specifying the amount of allowances during the scholarship period, while coordinating with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to submit a proposal for determining tuition fees, taking into account the country of study. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister July 25, 2026