Romanski: Iraq has the potential to become an economic model to be emulated

Baghdad - INA

US Ambassador Alina Romansky confirmed today, Wednesday, that Iraq is capable of creating an exemplary economic model, while pointing to cooperation with Iraqi organizations to improve water access for more than 100,000 people.

Romanski said at the conference to launch the National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq, which was attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "This is a pivotal and important stage that will support Iraq's efforts in building the country and the changes that are taking place today and for future Iraqi generations," noting that "this will be a vision for Iraq's requirements and confronting the environmental challenges that Iraq has faced from population growth and natural resources that have restricted development in Iraq."

She added that "drought continues to harm the agricultural sector and affects the security and safety of the country, and that this strategy is an opportunity for us to work together and unite to take action," indicating that "over the past two decades, the United States has done its work to support Iraq, enhance security and safety, and promote prosperity for all Iraqis."

She pointed out that "this year, the United States and its agents have invested more than $2,000,000 to support vulnerable communities in Iraq facing the challenges of climate change in partnership with the World Food Programme and UNICEF," noting that "through these initiatives we are trying to improve access to clean water, protect the lives of farmers, and build communities that are more resilient to climate change."

“Our programs and partnerships are producing positive outcomes, and collaboration with local Iraqi organizations and multilateral organizations is improving access to water for over 100,000 people by investing over 1,000,000 cubic meters of water, and another initiative has helped over 200,000 farmers produce thousands of tons of food and produce with less electricity and more water,” Romanski explained, noting that “we will continue to support Iraq’s development and Iraq’s sustainable goals to adapt to climate change.”

Romanski said, “In cooperation with the Iraqi ministries, we participated with ( UNDP ), and we worked together with the Iraqi government on this strategy to improve environmental protection. This includes coordination with various government agencies to effectively develop Iraq’s sustainable goals, and includes launching a strategy to help Iraq improve the balance and protect the environment, as well as an environmental protection strategy and investment in the climate.”

She pointed out that "one of our goals is to have a roadmap for a green economy that is confirmed by adequate access for women, youth and vulnerable communities facing challenges and climate change. The national strategy for protecting and improving the environment will become a guide for the United States and other donors to support the Iraqi government, and will enhance the response and solutions to be effective, including investment in the green economy and support for modern methods of agriculture, and contribute to having a more diversified economy by supporting this strategy."

She expressed her thanks to the "Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Environment team, the US Agency, and the United Security Development Team for their assistance in launching and activating this strategy," stressing that "the role played by international supporters, donors, and local experts in including this strategy with effective participation will enable Iraq to create a better economy and will be a model to be emulated."

She explained that "the United States continues to strengthen bilateral relations and we will continue to support Iraq as we work together to enhance Iraqi sovereignty, security, safety and economic opportunities for all, and that this strategy will allow us to work together," praising "the work and this strategy, and now the real work has begun as we implement this plan to have a positive impact on the entire country."