Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday underscored the government’s priority to complete development projects in Baghdad’s historic districts and gradually expand them across the capital.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Media Office said al-Sudani chaired a meeting dedicated to the second phase of the rehabilitation of Rashid Street, the iconic cultural and commercial corridor that stretches from al-Rasafi Square to the beginning of Abu Nawas Street. The session was attended by the Mayor of Baghdad, the Central Bank governor, and several advisers and officials.

According to the statement, officials reviewed progress on the second phase of the project, which spans roughly 3.5 kilometers from Maarouf al-Rasafi Square to the new Italian Hospital and includes the rehabilitation of 183 government and private buildings.

The meeting also discussed mechanisms to address administrative and technical challenges, along with plans to redevelop the Bataween area with the aim of positioning Baghdad alongside major tourist capitals.

Al-Sudani directed authorities to maintain the pace of work on the first section of Rashid Street and to use the expertise gained to advance the second phase. The statement said the rehabilitation effort reflects the government’s strong interest in preserving Baghdad’s archaeological and heritage sites.

The prime minister highlighted the symbolic importance of Rashid Street for Iraqis and the public enthusiasm following the completion of the project’s first phase. He reaffirmed that completing development work in Baghdad’s historic neighborhoods remains a priority and that similar projects will continue to expand throughout the city.