The Iraqi parliament on Thursday approved the new cabinet lineup and the government program presented by Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani.

Up to 253 lawmakers attending the session raised their hands to show approval of the new ministers when Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi read out their names one by one.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid congratulated al-Sudani and expressed confidence in the latter's ability to face the challenges in the country.