Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia' al Sudani confirmed today that his country has maintained a balanced approach and prevented the spread of conflict in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, in his speech at the opening of the seventh edition of the Baghdad International Dialogue Conference, themed "Communication for Development and Regional Stability," Al-Sudani stated that the Iraqi government has adopted a balanced policy, confronting many unrealistic propositions lacking foresight and responsibility. He emphasized that the government has worked to "free Iraq from the consequences of being tied to steps that do not consider the interests and will of our people." On another note, the Iraqi Prime Minister described the aggression against the Gaza Strip as a "turning point" in the Palestinian cause. He said that what happened in Gaza was a pivotal event in a long journey of attempts to obscure the Palestinians' right to life, their right to land, and their existence. It followed a bloody path of displacement and identity theft. He added that in their dialogues with key international players and their meetings at the United Nations and other international forums, th eir convictions have solidified regarding the failure of the international community and its inability to fulfill its duties.
Al Sudani also highlighted Iraq's success in initiating and encouraging dialogues between countries in the region. Adding that just as they concluded, through responsible dialogue, the task of the international coalition to fight ISIS, they transitioned to bilateral relations and security coordination with the countries that participated in it.
Domestically, Al Sudani pointed to the importance of dialogue as a means provided by the constitution in an environment of freedom of speech, allowing the discovery of opportunities and windows that may be overlooked by decision-makers. He explained that the door is always open for direct national dialogue to address all files and issues.
Meanwhile, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Dr. Mohammad Al Hassan, affirmed the international organization's support for Iraq. He noted that the country needs constructive dialogue, united under one point: the interests of Iraq.
President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, reiterated the region's full support for the vital Development Road project in Iraq, describing it as the right step for a brighter future for the country. He said that the Kurdistan Region always believed that political and economic stability for all of Iraq is a shared national interest, and that true development cannot be achieved without integration between Baghdad and Erbil, as well as between Iraq and its surrounding countries and the world.
The conference discusses a range of crucial issues reflecting the developments in the regional and international scene. On the first day, the sessions will focus on discussing the Development Road project and its role in enhancing regional security and stability, as well as the challenges it faces. Participants will also explore ways to enhance Iraq's role in ensuring regional security and the role of the informed elite in shaping Iraq's future.