President Rashid at UNGA 80: Iraq Restores International Standing

Iraqi President's media office

Iraqi President, Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid at UNGA 80.

President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr. Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, addressed the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, affirming Iraq’s restored role on the international stage and outlining the country’s vision for peace, development, and regional stability.

President Rashid highlighted Iraq’s leadership as current chair of both the Arab Summit and the Group of 77 and China, noting the country’s active participation in organisations such as OPEC, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. He underlined that Iraq is once again a constructive partner in international and regional affairs.

President Rashid announced that Iraq is preparing for its sixth parliamentary elections, consolidating the process of peaceful power transfer, which he described as a “bright example” in the region. He reaffirmed Iraq’s democratic path, commitment to free and fair elections, and readiness to host international or regional UN offices as part of strengthening cooperation.

On security, President Rashid recalled Iraq’s successful fight against terrorism, stressing that global efforts must hold accountable all parties who finance or support extremist groups. He also urged collective implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism.

Addressing humanitarian issues, President Rashid said Iraq continues to prioritise the safe return of displaced persons to liberated areas, while requiring international assistance to rebuild devastated cities. He underscored the importance of protecting minorities such as Yazidis and Christians and ensuring their right to live securely in their ancestral lands.

Turning to economic and development matters, Iraqi President said the country is pursuing reforms and diversifying its economy beyond oil, with significant investment opportunities in energy, water, electricity, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. He called on the international community to support Iraq in recovering smuggled funds and expanding partnerships.

On environmental challenges, President Rashid warned that Iraq is among the countries most severely affected by climate change, citing desertification, water scarcity, and intensifying dust storms. He outlined Iraq’s efforts to develop renewable energy, improve water management, and cut carbon emissions, while urging stronger international cooperation, particularly with upstream countries on fair water-sharing agreements for the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

President Rashid also used the platform to reaffirm Iraq’s principled foreign policy. He called for an immediate end to the suffering of Palestinians, condemning ongoing aggression in Gaza and other violations of sovereignty in the region. He renewed Iraq’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as the only path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

On regional stability, he rejected the use of Iraqi airspace for military operations and stressed the need to keep the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, while supporting the peaceful use of nuclear energy under international oversight. He also reiterated Iraq’s readiness to foster dialogue among regional powers and promote cooperation instead of conflict.

Concluding his speech, President Rashid declared: “Iraq’s message is clear: We are not asking for sympathy, but for partnership – a partnership to heal our land, secure our rivers, achieve our security, empower our youth, and unite our region rather than divide it.”



PUKMEDIA