President Rashid: Iraq Seeks Balanced Relations With Neighbors

Iraq 10:39 AM - 2023-10-18

President Rashid meets with heads of diplomatic missions in Rome, the Vatican, and UN representatives

The President of the Republic of Iraq, Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, appealed to the international community to halt the continuous and aggressive bombings of civilians and hospitals in the Gaza Strip, ensure the protection of such civilians and hospitals, and ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid in a safe and timely manner. 

President Rashid stated on Tuesday, during a meeting with several heads of diplomatic missions in Rome and the Vatican, including representatives of countries to the United Nations, that Iraq stands fully in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their quest to reclaim their stolen rights. 

The President stated that Iraq is committed to establishing balanced relations with its neighbors and the international community based on respect, mutual understanding, and shared interests, in addition to respecting Iraq's ability to make independent decisions. 

His Excellency stated that Iraq strives to consolidate the foundations of peace and stability in light of its pivotal role in the region because conflicts and wars do not solve but rather exacerbate problems. Many aspects of Iraqi life have suffered as a result of wars, violence, terrorism, and dictatorship, including the economy, the environment, and the service sector, he continued. 

Iraq's situation is currently improving, and security and stability are present. President Rashid emphasized that the country is experiencing many positive developments. 

Moreover, he stated that security and stability have been a priority in the government's efforts to provide services, continue the reform process, combat corruption, repair infrastructure, and launch strategic projects, especially since the general budget for the next three years has been approved. 

In this regard, the President mentioned the construction, reconstruction, and stability in Mosul, which hosted the Spring Festival, and Basra, which hosted the Arabian Gulf Cup Championship. Nearly 20 million pilgrims participated in the Arba'een pilgrimage without experiencing any incidents or violations, indicating that security and stability have been achieved in Iraq as well as urban development. 

His Excellency, the President, addressed the current water crisis in Iraq. According to His Excellency, Iraq's water resources originate outside the country's borders; upstream countries control the amount of water flowing through the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries; and there are no international or bilateral agreements governing the shares of the countries that share the rivers. In addition, the water crisis has intensified due to climate change, desertification, drought, ineffective management systems, and irresponsible water consumption. 

The President hoped that Iraq would reach an agreement with upstream countries on the issue of water sharing that would safeguard its fair share and allow it to meet its drinking and irrigation needs.

In his remarks, His Excellency discussed the draft laws submitted for approval by the Presidency of the Republic to the House of Representatives, such as the draft law of the Supreme Water Council. 
Additionally, the following proposed laws were discussed: The proposed legislation includes amendments to the law on drugs and psychotropic substances, the law on real estate secretion, the creation of a Supreme Authority for Women's Empowerment, and the recovery of corruptly obtained funds. Additionally, the cancellation of the decisions of the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council and the release of approximately 9,000 detainees whose sentences have expired were also discussed.

According to the President, Erbil and Baghdad have a good relationship, and both sides are committed to continuing dialogue and reaching consensus on outstanding issues in accordance with the Constitution and the law. 

According to His Excellency, Iraq continues to provide businessmen with facilities to encourage their investment and entry into the Iraqi market, expressing his hope that these individuals will convey the true image of Iraq to their home nations. 

It was noted that the ambassadors expressed their appreciation for His Excellency's support for developing relations with their countries. In addition, they expressed their governments' desire to continue to cooperate with Iraq in a variety of areas. Further, they expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the areas of security and stability, the fight against corruption, and the provision of services.

PUKMEDIA / Iraqi Presidency