PM Al-Sudani Meets UN Secretary-General in New York

Baghdad-INA
 
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met yesterday evening, Thursday (Baghdad time), with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, concluding his participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
 
The Media Office of the Prime Minister stated in a statement, received by The Iraqi News Agency-INA, “The meeting reviewed key areas of constructive cooperation between Iraq and the United Nations, as well as issues of mutual concern. They also discussed developments in the Middle East, including the ongoing aggression against Lebanon and Palestine, and the significant threat this poses to regional and international security and stability”.
 
The statement added,”Prime Minister Al-Sudani expressed his appreciation for the principled stances shown by the UN Secretary-General regarding the aggression on Gaza and the condemnation of crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people, as well as the assaults on Lebanon. He described these positions as respecting the core principles upon which the international organization was founded. The Prime Minister also thanked the United Nations for its continuous cooperation and support through its agencies in stabilizing Iraq, assisting in the fight against ISIS, and contributing to Iraq’s victory, made possible by the unity of the Iraqi people, as well as the help of friends and the international community”.
 
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to the UN Secretary-General to visit Iraq and participate in the Arab Summit, which will be hosted in Baghdad in May 2025.
 
In response, Secretary-General Guterres praised the relationship between Iraq and the United Nations, describing it as ideal and excellent. He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to promoting prosperity, progress, and sustainable development for the Iraqi people. He also expressed his gratitude for the constructive discussions that led to the ending of the UNAMI mission in Iraq and the opening of new avenues for cooperation with various specialized UN agencies. Key areas of support include helping Iraq address the challenges of climate change, economic challenges, and advancing social and service development programs, where Iraq has already made significant progress.