President Rashid Calls for Halt to Gaza Aggression and Strengthened Regional Cooperation

Iraq 09:22 AM - 2025-09-25

Iraqi President during an interview with BBC.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, emphasised that ending the aggression against Gaza and the Palestinian people is the essential first step towards any meaningful political process.

In an interview with the BBC, President Rashid stated: “Iraq’s position on the Palestinian issue is firm and principled. It is unchanging and cannot be subject to reinterpretation. We support the full legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.”

He continued: “Persistently denying the Palestinian people their right to an independent state will perpetuate conflict indefinitely. Recognising the State of Palestine is not a reward for Hamas. Such a suggestion is unjust and does not advance the peace process. Not all Palestinians are Hamas, and the movement itself emerged as a direct consequence of the absence of a just resolution to their cause.”

President Rashid concluded: “Our message is clear and decisive: ending the aggression against Gaza and the Palestinian people is the first and necessary step towards any serious political process.”

He reiterated Iraq’s commitment to building strong partnerships, fostering friendship, and maintaining good neighbourly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, affirming Iraq’s sovereignty and dedication to the shared interests of both peoples while contributing to regional security and stability.

Bilateral Talks with Yemen and Vietnam

As part of his participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Excellency received Dr Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at his residence in New York. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation to serve the interests of both nations, and addressing issues of mutual concern. President Rashid highlighted the importance of continued coordination to promote regional security and stability.

Dr Al-Alimi praised the strong fraternal ties between Iraq and Yemen and expressed Yemen’s desire to broaden cooperation in multiple areas. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani, National Security Advisor Mr Qasim Al-Araji, and other officials from both sides.

President Rashid also met His Excellency Mr Luong Cuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The discussion centred on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas such as agriculture, aiming to serve the mutual interests of both countries. President Rashid noted the historical ties between Iraq and Vietnam and the importance of leveraging these relations for development and progress.

President Luong Cuong extended an invitation to President Rashid to visit Vietnam, which the Iraqi President gratefully accepted. He also expressed Vietnam’s wish to deepen joint cooperation and stressed the need for international coordination to end conflicts and build cooperative relations that benefit global communities.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji, Chief of Staff of the Presidency Dr Kamil Al-Dulaimi, Minister of Industry and Trade Mr Nguyen Hong Dinh, and other officials from both sides.



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