President Rashid: Iraq Is Ready to Reclaim Its Positive Role on the Regional and Global Stage

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Iraq, Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, the President's Advisor, Dr. Adnan Ibrahim Mohammad addressed the annual Erbil Forum which was held on 1 March under the theme “Turning Points and the Future of the Middle East”.  

President Rashid asserted that the political stakeholders are determined to find common ground and build national consensus while adding that Iraq is ready to reclaim its positive role on the regional and global stage.

Following the last general elections, the formation of the new Iraqi government took some time, but it yielded good results as we managed to gather support for the government to implement its ambitious ministerial programme including rehabilitation and construction of public infrastructures, addressing the housing shortages and unemployment crisis, the President added.

His Excellency pointed out that the new Iraq works toward strengthening relations with its neighbours based on mutual respect, and through diplomacy, addressing common concerns regarding border security and transboundary water flow to secure adequate water distribution.

The Text of President Rashid's Speech follows:
"Despite protracted challenges, Iraq has finally entered a new phase, leaving behind decades of wars and destructions, pursuing its national development vision.

Today, there is a peaceful transfer of power in Iraq, and the political
stakeholders are determined to find common ground and build national consensus.


Following the last general elections, the formation of the new Iraqi government took some time, but it yielded good results as we managed to gather support for the government to implement its ambitious ministerial programme including rehabilitation and construction of public infrastructures, addressing the housing shortages and unemployment crisis, as well as initiating long-term strategic projects such as Faw industrial city, public transport, and investment in petrochemical industries.

Iraq is ready to reclaim its positive role on the regional and global stage, from hosting sports tournaments, building international partnerships, adhering to international treaties, and attracting foreign investment, to collaboration on regional security, the environment, and contribution to global energy security.

The new Iraq aspires to become a unifying force for good, bridging the gap between regional powers, building consensus around common challenges such as climate change, the environment, and fighting terrorism. 

The new Iraq works toward strengthening relations with its neighbours based on mutual respect, and through diplomacy, addressing common concerns regarding border security and transboundary water flow to secure adequate water distribution.

Moving beyond healing wounds, and taking advantage of the high oil prices, Iraq’s new phase is marked by stability and economic development, ensuring the public has access to justice, quality education, adequate health services, clean water, food security, and the federal government is committed to rendering better public services and build public infrastructure to meet our citizens’ needs.

It’s our collective duty to ensure that living standards are improved, promoting peace and stability, protecting the environment, diversifying the economy as well as preserving national heritage for future generations.

There is substantial progress in finding viable solutions and strengthening relations between Erbil and Baghdad in accordance with the Constitution. The negotiations are ongoing, and delegations continue to engage in constructive discussions on a range of topics, including Article 140, Oil and Gas, KRG’s participation in federal institutions, the Peshmerga, and the Regional and KRG’s share of the 2023 national budget.

The tragic issue of displaced people must be addressed once and for all, with a focus on finding a viable solution, and the right conditions and security and stability must be ensured in their villages, towns, and cities to allow their safe return home. However, solutions to the issues of disputed areas should be all found according to the Iraqi constitution.

Both governments must continue to engage in constructive dialogue to find amicable solutions that serve the interests of the Iraqi people and the Kurdistan Region.  

The Iraqi government is taking the issues of climate change very seriously, including food security, water scarcity, and climate-induced displacement. Our country is bearing the brunt of climate change challenges; extreme weather conditions including floods, droughts, dust storms, and rising temperatures coupled with inadequate infrastructure are affecting social stability in Iraq. We must act now, and prioritise support for affected communities, build-resilience, raise public awareness, provide emergency assistance, support the agricultural sector, and modernise the water management systems.

It is our collective responsibility to unite behind the government in addressing the root causes through sensible policies, allocation of appropriate funds, building regional and international partnerships, and implementing necessary measures to minimise the risks.

Significant progress has been made in crude oil production, and Iraq continues to invest in gas processing, refining, and petrochemical industries supported by an appropriate legal framework. Iraq has the potential to become a globally competitive petrochemical industrial centre.

In conclusion, we affirmed that what unites our thoughts and perceptions is much greater than what we disagree on. We also emphasise that our differences in perceptions serve as a strong factor and push us toward further understanding and joint reflections for the benefit of our people.

Wish you all the very best.

Thank you very much".

 

Presedent