EU supports Iraq's efforts to achieve economic diversity

INA - BAGHDAD 

The European Union affirmed its aspiration for launching the next version of Baghdad Conference during the current year.

EU Ambassador, Ville Variola, said in a speech during the "Europe Day" celebration that was held in Baghdad and attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency - INA, "Our commitment to peace is also reflected in our support for Iraq's efforts to enhance regional cooperation. The European Union's high representative, participated in Baghdad conference in December, last year which was organized in Jordan. We look forward to the next session of the conference later this year."

"We will be keen to stimulate the economic dimension of regional cooperation through investment," he added, noting that "the region includes a number of issues that can only be resolved together, from climate change to water scarcity and cross-border crime. This also requires better interdependence and increased interaction between citizens, and lay out a blueprint for economic cooperation and regional integration."

He detailed, "Europe Day is a special occasion to celebrate the upward trajectory of our bilateral relationship with Iraq. On one hand, this reflects the depth of the relationship that we aspire to make it stronger, and on the other hand, this also expresses our appreciation for the growing regional role played by Iraq as a builder of bridges of communication in the region. As High Representative Borrell said recently; The Government of Iraq can count on the European Union for the benefit of the Iraqi people, as well as for regional stability; for my part, I can assure our Iraqi friends of our continued support for Iraq's stability, sovereignty and prosperity."

"We are supportive of the ambitious reform program of the Prime Minister, and what lies at the heart of this program in terms of combating corruption, and what it aims to achieve in terms of providing better services to all Iraqi people. The European Union has been working in financing important projects to keep pace with this new path; combating corruption; to improve the social security net, for example," he explained. 

He continued, "Within two days, a tangible result of our joint European efforts will be achieved, on May 10th, when the European team initiative will be launched under the name of "Tawfiq" initiative, and this initiative will focus on private sector development and economic transformation."

"The Union's support for the Iraqi efforts to achieve economic diversification, which are urgent and necessary efforts at the same time. On March 19th, after a hiatus of seven years, we succeeded in resuming work in the Ministerial Cooperation Council between the European Union and Iraq, which participated in chairing by the High Representative of the European Union Borrell and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, this Council revived the dialogue between us on important regional and security issues. We established together a new ambition for the future through the joint declaration on sustainable development, green transition, governance, regional connectivity and sustainable finance," he included.