Baghdad, May 31 (QNA) –  Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh Al Sari met in Baghdad on Sunday 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 a statement by the Iraqi Finance Ministry, Al Sari underscored that Iraq focuses on reinforcing development spending and supporting strategic projects, particularly in the agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

This is alongside fostering a more attractive investment and production climate in support of development growth and the promotion of service levels, despite the economic challenges and pressures facing public revenues, he said.

For her part, Hansen affirmed the EBRD’s commitment to backing Iraqi efforts in economic and financial reform.

She pointed out that the bank stands ready 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. (QNA)