Patriarch Mar Gewargis III receives delegation from Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, Iraqi PM Sudani announces new reconstruction fund for Nineveh Plains

BAGHDAD — Last weekend, Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East Mar Gewargis III Younan received a delegation of leaders of the Suraye community in the US. The delegation was led by President of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Chaldean Community Foundation of Michigan Martin Manna, who was accompanied by President of the Assyrian Chamber of Commerce of Chicago Robert DeKelaita, Director of the Chaldean Community Foundation’s office in Iraq Ghazwan Elias, and businessmen Yacoub Bakal and Christopher Dina.

The meeting covered with several topics, including the situation of Christian Chaldeans–Syriacs–Assyrians in Iraq and ways to support them. The delegation also discussed efforts to promote investment and economic development in Iraq, especially in the region’s with a large Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community, with the aim of creating opportunities that benefit Christians and Iraqi society as a whole. 

Last week, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the US to discuss initiatives supporting the reconstruction of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian villages and the future of Christian communities in Iraq. 

PM Sudani announced the establishment of a new reconstruction fund for Nineveh Plains, along with additional service projects in the districts of Tel Keppe and Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah). More than $35 million will be invested in projects suggested through the Chaldean Community Foundation. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting diversity, addressing the effects of terrorism, and encouraging Iraqi Christian businessmen to invest in the country’s development. 

Additionally, a committee has been formed to oversee the implementation of Article 125, which introduces a new administrative unit. Ghazwan Ilyas will take a seat on the committee to help review and approve key projects for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people.

This Monday the delegation met with President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI) Nechirvan Barzani. Both sides emphasized the necessity of protecting all the different national identities of Iraq and their peaceful coexistence. The Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian delegation proposed to increase economic and investment collaboration with the Kurdistan Region and shared various proposals for projects in Nineveh Plains and the KRI.