"Father of the Nation, Finance Minister Azawi, requests an audience."
"Let him in!"
The man sitting on the throne spoke in a low voice, his sharp gaze seeming to see through everything.
He was Sam Hussein Majid Tikrit, the president of the Kingdom of Laghman.
Sam's life was quite legendary; he was a ruthless and powerful figure.
During his tenure, the country enjoyed political stability, social prosperity, and was deeply loved by the people.
Data shows that in the latest opinion poll...
Sam's approval rating reached an unusually high 99%.
This is something that cannot be replicated globally, or even in global history.
The people of Laghman prefer to call him "Sam" or "Father of the Nation".
There's another layer of meaning here.
Sam sheltered the entire Kingdom of Lak and was the father of the people of Lak.
in addition.
It is worth mentioning.
During Sam's rule, Iraq achieved nationwide free healthcare and free education.
Upon hearing this...
Tikrik rose and said respectfully.
"Yes, Father of the Nation."
A moment later.
A middle-aged man in his forties walked in.
"Sam, may God bless you."
"Azavi, may God bless you."
After they met, they lightly touched cheeks to each other and then greeted each other.
A cheek kiss, similar to a handshake in China, is a way to express friendly greetings.
"Azawi, sit here and try some of the fine tea I had someone get from a great Eastern country."
As they were talking.
A servant-like attendant approached, carrying a tray with a teapot and tea set.
After pouring each of them a cup of tea, he turned and left, disappearing into the shadows.
Azawi carefully accepted the tea, nodded his thanks to Sam, and then said...
“Sam, we are facing a problem now. The universal healthcare and education you have implemented are too expensive. If this continues, the national treasury will not be able to support it for long.”
Azawi succinctly stated his purpose and pointed out the reasons for excessive government spending.
Free medical care and education, as well as military expenditures, account for the majority of these costs.
Not to mention, there are also expenditures on national construction.
Iraq is a major oil-producing country, that's true.
Normally, relying on crude oil exports, covering these costs wouldn't be a big problem.
Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it!
Excessive social welfare is entirely based on oil prices.
now.
For four consecutive months, international crude oil prices have continued to hit new lows.
As a result, a financial crisis emerged in the country of Lak.
If crude oil prices continue to fall, Iraq will only have one option: involuntary bankruptcy.
Azawi didn't have a good solution either, so he could only report the situation to Sam.
And they placed their hopes on Sam.
Azawi was like this, as were other officials and ordinary people.
In the hearts of the people of Laghman, Sam is a figure like God, who will protect all his beloved people.
Upon hearing this...
After a brief silence, Sam fixed his wise gaze on Azawi and asked for the crucial information.
"Azawi, are you saying that as long as the price of crude oil can be raised, all the problems that Iraq is facing can be solved?"
"Yes, Sam."
Azawi nodded.
The price of international crude oil is not determined by Iraq alone.
At best, Iraq is merely a member of OPEC.
besides.
Russia, along with the United States led by NATO, also hold a certain share in the global oil market, forming a three-way balance of power.
But when it comes to cost...
Who can compare to the powerful dogs of the Middle East?
Its unique geographical location means that a single shovelful can unearth jets of black oil.
Furthermore, its proven oil reserves account for more than one-third of the world's total oil reserves.
"To boost oil prices, a solution needs to be discussed at the OPEC meeting, and ideally, an agreement should be reached on production cuts."
"Only by changing the relationship between supply and demand will oil prices rise significantly."
Azawi shared his suggestion with Om.
These things will only be implemented after Om gives his approval.
Upon hearing this, Sam continued to inquire.
"What are the attitudes of Russia and the United States?"
Upon hearing this, Azawi quickly replied.
"With such low oil prices, we don't make much profit per barrel of oil. It will only be more difficult for Russia."
Sam nodded.
That's the truth.
Russia's oil fields are all located hundreds of meters underground.
Machinery, personnel, transportation, etc.
The cost of extracting oil from each barrel of crude oil is likely over $3.50.
If the oil well has a complex geological structure, the cost will increase further.
"The OPEC meeting won't be held until the end of the year, so I'll try to reach a private agreement with other member countries first."
"Are there any other options besides this?"
Sam's words were a wake-up call for Azawi.
For a long time, Iraq has only produced crude oil and exported it.
However, they do not have the final say on pricing.
There's OPEC, and Russia and the US are also involved.
There is only one way to avoid being passive regarding oil prices.
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