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Abdul Latif Rashid
عبد اللطيف رشيد
لەتيف ڕەشید
Abdul Latif Rashid in Davos - 2025 - 02 (cropped).jpg
Rashid in 2025
9th President of Iraq
In office
17 October 2022 – 11 April 2026
Preceded by Barham Salih
Succeeded by Nizar Amidi
Minister of Water Resources
In office
September 2003 – December 2010
Preceded by Coalition Provisional Authority
Succeeded by Mohanad Salman al-Sady
Personal details
Born (1944-08-10) 10 August 1944 (age 81)
Sulaymaniyah, Kingdom of Iraq
Citizenship
  • Iraq
  • United Kingdom
Political party Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
Spouse Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed
Children 3, including Asoz and Sara
Relatives Jalal Talabani (brother-in-law)
Ibrahim Ahmed (father-in-law)
Hero Ibrahim Ahmed (sister-in-law)
Alma mater

Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid is an important Iraqi politician. He was the president of Iraq from 2022 until April 11, 2026. Before becoming president, he served as the Minister of Water Resources. He also worked as a spokesperson for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in the United Kingdom. Abdul Latif Rashid is the fourth president of Iraq who is not Arab. He was succeeded by Nizar Amidi.

As the Minister for Water Resources, from September 2003 to December 2010, Mr. Rashid managed many important projects. These included making sure cities had enough water, controlling floods, and restoring important marsh areas. He helped manage water for farming and power generation.

Who is Abdul Latif Rashid?

Abdul Latif Rashid was born on August 10, 1944. He is known for his work in engineering and politics. He has dedicated much of his life to serving Iraq.

Early Life and Education

Mr. Rashid studied engineering in the United Kingdom. He was involved in many programs focused on engineering and farming improvements. His education helped him understand how to solve big problems.

Working for Iraq's Water

Abdul Latif Rashid started his political journey in the 1960s. He joined the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Later, he worked as a senior project manager for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO). He helped with projects in Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

He was also a representative for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan in the United Kingdom starting in 1986. He spoke for Kurdish groups and Iraqi opposition groups during a difficult time in Iraq's history.

Mr. Rashid is a skilled engineer. He is a member of important engineering groups. He also worked as a consultant for water projects in Iraq. In 1992, he became a leader in the Iraqi National Congress (INC).

A Leader for His Country

Abdul Latif Rashid has always been active in politics. He used his technical skills to help his country. From 2003 to 2010, he was the Minister of Water Resources. After that, he worked as a presidential adviser starting in 2010.

Becoming President

In Iraq, there is a special agreement for sharing power among different groups. This agreement means a Kurdish leader is chosen as president. On October 13, 2022, Abdul Latif Rashid was elected as the 9th President of Iraq. He took over from Barham Salih.

After his election, President Rashid quickly appointed Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani as the new prime minister. This helped to end a long period of political disagreement in the country. In January 2025, President Rashid asked a court to make sure government workers in the Kurdistan Region received their salaries on time. This showed his commitment to fair treatment for all citizens.

Working with Other Nations

Ilham Aliyev met with President of Iraq Abdullatif Jamal Rashid 02
President Rashid meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, March 1, 2023.

President Rashid believed it was important for Iraq to have good relationships with its neighbors. He mentioned countries like Iran, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan. He felt that strong friendships with these countries would make Iraq stronger.

He also spoke about the 2003 change in government in Iraq. He said it was needed because of the very harsh rule of the previous government. He noted that after many years, Iraq now enjoys more peace and safety. However, he also pointed out that some important public projects, like new roads, had not been finished due to problems with fairness and honesty in government.

About His Family

Abdul Latif Rashid comes from a well-known Kurdish family. He is married to Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed. She is the daughter of a famous poet named Ibrahim Ahmed. They have three children. His family also includes other important figures, like Jalal Talabani, who was his brother-in-law.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Abdul Latif Rashid para niños

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