The Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Planning, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Tamim, welcomed on Sunday, the Regional Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Middle East and North Africa, Mrs. Adele Khodr, and her accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, which was attended by the Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Planning, Dr. Saher Abdel-Kazem, they discussed a number of related issues and files, UNICEF work in Iraq, and the role of the organization in supporting the efforts of the Iraqi government in improving the level of education, In light of the population increase.
The two sides also discussed social protection programs, and the measures taken by the Iraqi government to support the vulnerable and the poor, which came within the priorities of the government program.
The Minister of Planning indicated to move towards the development of development sectors, particularly the industrial and agricultural sectors and to increase their contribution to the gross domestic product, this is within the policy of developing the economy, achieving development through diversifying funding sources. He added that the ministry is working hard to complete the requirements of implementing the population census, which will provide a comprehensive database on developmental reality, where will help in preparing sober plans, and addressing development gaps in all fields.
For her part, Mrs. Khodr expressed UNICEF’s readiness to provide more support to Iraq in light of the priorities set by the Iraqi government. Noting that the level of cooperation between the two sides is witnessing a clear development in its tracks. This would reflect positively on bilateral relations, and to serve the reality of childhood and improve the education sector in Iraq.