Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq will not serve as "a launchpad for threatening the security of neighboring countries." During the opening of the seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum, Al-Sudani stated, "Our constitution mandates us not to interfere in the affairs of others, just as we do not accept any disrespect to the dignity of our land and sovereignty from the neighborhood or elsewhere."
In a statement issued by his office, he clarified that, "We aspire to deep and sustainable economic partnerships with our brotherly and friendly peoples, exchanging concern for security with them; only through effective and productive economic cooperation can we establish lasting security."
He pointed out that, "Our government has prioritized strengthening border guard forces early on, enhancing efforts to secure borders and prevent infiltration, and eliminating any force seeking to destabilize either the Kurdistan region or any other part of Iraq." He stressed that, "Iraq's history, geographic location, economic capabilities, and human resources qualify it to play a pivotal role in the Middle East and the world, making it a regional hub."
He noted that "this week has been filled with successes and highlighted a humanitarian issue connecting Iraq with its regional and international environment through our hosting of the climate conference in Basra, where we sought, within our governmental program, to prioritize addressing the impacts of climate change through several projects that contribute to reducing emissions, including establishing renewable energy plants, rehabilitating closed sanitary landfill sites, combating desertification, water-saving irrigation technologies, and heavy water treatments."
Al-Sudani clarified that "holding such conferences with the presence of a large number of researchers and those interested in Iraqi affairs is evidence of freedom of expression and the practice of democratic life in today’s Iraq."
He added, "We have committed in our governmental program to provide services to our people and build a strong, cohesive economy," asserting that "we have achieved significant percentages of the ministerial program."
He pointed out that "the agreement on the draft budget law represents a bold step that avoids past failures and reflects clarity in the vision drawn for our announced goals in serving the citizen."
He noted that "financial and political stability paves the way for optimal investment of our country's first wealth, the legislation of the oil and gas law, and understanding with the Kurdistan region of Iraq in this regard," stressing the "necessity of moving away from the term 'sticking problems' and replacing it with phrases of sustainable projects and common economic opportunities for the sake of lasting and equitable welfare for all Iraqis."
He continued, "Our meetings in Erbil were fruitful; I met with a group of party leaders and representatives of various components, and we engaged in unrestricted dialogue," praising "the efforts made to reconcile between Kurdish political leaderships to unify ranks, and we support these efforts."
