Al-Sudani: Efforts are being made by the Iraqi government to end the international coalition presence in Iraq

INA-  Baghdad

 
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Thursday, that the government condemns attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq, noting that steps are being taken to end the international coalition presence in the country.
 
 "We had an important dialogue in our bilateral meeting, and our meeting with the two delegations," the prime minister said at the joint press conference with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez at the government palace in the heart of Baghdad, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). He emphasized "the importance of the relationship and its development between the two friendly countries (Iraq and Spain) in light of the presence of many commonalities and promising opportunities to advance this relationship in several fields."
 
"It was agreed to proceed with an agenda within a year, which outlines the path toward a framework for strategic partnership between Iraq and Spain, which frames our work and relations in the economic, political, security, cultural, and societal fields," he continued, highlighting "the importance of holding a meeting of the Iraqi-Spanish Joint Committee at its thirteenth session in Baghdad in mid-2024, as well as the emphasis on starting periodic political consultation between the two countries and intensifying mutual visits between the two parties."
 
The prime minister instructed Iraqi institutions and sectors to "open up and cooperate with their counterparts in Spain," while also urging Spain to "participate in the Baghdad conference."
 
"We will have a more detailed talk about business and investment in Iraq, which is witnessing a growing state of foreign companies to invest and work jointly with the Iraqi sector or implement projects with the government," he continued. "Today, we will have a meeting with the Spanish companies present within the Spanish delegation."  
 
"We showed the government's efforts during a year in this field by facing the negative effects of burning gas associated with oil production, as well as starting some solar energy production projects," he continued. "There is extensive talk about cooperation in efforts and climate variables and benefiting from the pioneering experiences in Spain, whether related to water management or solar energy investment," he said, emphasizing "the importance of supporting Iraq's efforts to preserve its share and water rights," acknowledging that "the position of Spain supports the Iraqi approach in this field."
 
He indicated that "the coach of the Iraqi national team, Casas, is very popular in Iraqi popular circles, as well as the great desire of the Iraqi public to follow the Spanish league," noting that "the dialogues that took place were not without focus on deepening the relationship between the two countries and peoples by relying on cooperation in the field of sports, especially football." He also congratulated Spain on their victory in the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
 
"The major attacks that amounted to acts of genocide in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories," he continued, "also come into light of the difficult circumstances in the region." He praised "the role of Spain and its courageous position in condemning these attacks, which rose to the level of crimes and genocide, and exceeded all international laws and the laws of war."
 
In order to "stop the destructive war and allow the entry of humanitarian aid, as well as the release of prisoners and hostages," he expressed hope for "more efforts to pressure the countries of the world."  
 
Moreover, the Prime Minister   highlighted "the role of the coalition and Spain in supporting Iraq's efforts to confront the terrorist ISIS, in which Iraq won," adding that "the meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister included a more detailed talk related to the status of the international coalition, especially since Spain is part of this coalition."
 
He emphasized that "the Iraqi government is moving towards ending the presence of the international coalition forces, which includes security advisers who support the security forces in the fields of training, advice, and intelligence cooperation," and that "the Iraqi government is in the process of rearranging the relationship under capable Iraqi forces."
 
He further said that "We have affirmed the government's official and clear position rejecting the attacks that have recently occurred on Iraqi military bases and diplomatic missions. We believe that these attacks are hostile acts that harm Iraq's national interest and affect the security and stability of the country. We also stressed the importance of adhering to the legal mandate granted by the previous Iraqi governments for this presence, which must be within the framework of support for the security forces in the areas of training and not exceed the limit of carrying out military actions as they represent an unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty."
 
He declared: "The Iraqi government is aware of its responsibilities to maintain the security of diplomatic missions and the whereabouts of security advisers, and it is committed to doing so."
 
In reference to the Palestinian issue, the prime minister stated that "efforts by the government are ongoing ," emphasizing "the necessity of ending this devastating war, which exposed the incapacity of the international system and its institutions and organizations to uphold its laws and relevant agreements in attempting to achieve security and stability."
 
 He expressed his optimism that "there will be practical steps to strengthen this relationship between the two friendly countries," praising "Spain's desire to cooperate and work together in Iraq."