The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers held its weekly meeting today, chaired by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani. The meeting focused on several key issues, including salary disbursements, oil exports, and social welfare proposals.

Salary Disbursements for February and March

Prime Minister Barzani directed the Ministry of Finance and Economy to prepare the salary distribution schedule for February, following the deposit of 958 billion dinars into the ministry’s account. The distribution process is set to begin tomorrow, Thursday. Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed all ministries and institutions to expedite the preparation of the March payroll lists and submit them to the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure salaries are disbursed before the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Oil Export Resumption Efforts

The first agenda item featured a presentation by Acting Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Muhammad Salih on the latest developments in joint meetings with the Federal Ministry of Oil, attended by representatives from oil companies. The minister outlined the discussions and efforts to resume the region’s oil exports in line with the provisions of the federal budget law.

The Council of Ministers commended the Ministry of Natural Resources for its efforts to accelerate the resumption of oil exports and its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Oil to resolve outstanding issues. The council reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to implementing amendments to the budget law, ensuring that the region’s oil is exported and sold through SOMO, with revenues deposited into the Federal Ministry of Finance’s account. This will follow the completion of necessary procedures currently being coordinated between the two ministries and oil companies.

Social Welfare Proposals Approved

The second agenda item addressed two proposals presented by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Kwestan Muhammad. The first proposal exempts individuals with disabilities from repaying marriage loans obtained before 2013. The second proposal exempts the families of deceased beneficiaries from repaying small loans taken in previous years for medium-sized projects.

The Council of Ministers unanimously approved both proposals and directed the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Social Affairs to issue the necessary instructions to ensure smooth implementation.

Official Holidays and Occasions

The final agenda item discussed the designation of official holidays and occasions in the KRG’s calendar, as presented by Jutyar Adel, Head of the Information and Media Department. Following extensive discussions, the council directed relevant authorities to take the necessary legal and legislative measures in this regard.

The meeting underscored the KRG’s ongoing efforts to address economic, social, and administrative issues, ensuring the timely delivery of public services and the resolution of critical challenges facing the region.