Iraq safeguards national interests and avoids becoming embroiled in conflicts: PM Al-Sudani

 
Baghdad-INA

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated on Thursday that the government's policy highlights Iraq's importance as a key and influential country. He also shared details about his earlier request for the leaders of Türkiye and Syria to restore relations and the reasons it did not succeed.

Al-Sudani said in Interview with Al-Iraqiya TV, followed by The Iraqi News Agency-INA that “"Our government's policy views Iraq as a pivotal, significant, and influential country, and it has succeeded during a challenging phase."

 Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed that Türkiye and Syria were unable to hold direct talks in Baghdad, after three attempts at foreign minister-level meetings.

He affirmed Iraq’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and its readiness to support a comprehensive political process without interfering in its internal affairs.

The Prime Minister expressed concern about developments in Syria, highlighting the presence of armed groups and ISIS elements. He noted that Iraq has initiated joint operations with Jordan and the International Coalition to address these threats.

Al-Sudani revealed that Iraq presented a working paper at the Aqaba meeting, outlining key principles aimed at achieving stability in Syria.
He emphasized that the new Syrian administration must provide guarantees to respect diversity and ensure inclusivity across the country.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani stated that since the events of October 7, 2023, Iraq has safeguarded its national interests and avoided becoming embroiled in conflicts while maintaining its principled stance on the Palestinian cause.

He affirmed that Iraq faces no threats or external pressures on any issue, emphasizing that all dialogues are conducted based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The Prime Minister reiterated Iraq’s role as a key member of the Global Coalition against Daesh and its unwavering commitment to countering any terrorist threats to its borders.

He highlighted that Iraq’s borders are now more secure than ever, with all border points fortified and fully monitored.
 
Al-Sudani pointed out that Iraq’s position in 2024 is significantly stronger than in 2014, with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative praising the unprecedented political stability in the country.

He affirmed that Iraq is on the right track, enjoying a level of trust and acceptance unparalleled since 2003.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani stated that decisions on peace and war are exclusively made by the state, and Iraq will not allow itself to be drawn into external wars or conflicts.

He mentioned that the government program includes regulating relations with the Coalition and consolidating state control over arms.
Al-Sudani acknowledged that regional events have delayed setting a timetable for arms regulation, coinciding with plans to conclude the Coalition forces’ missions.

The Prime Minister explained that Iraq’s relations with Türkiye are ongoing and driven by shared interests, with the Syrian issue being central to this relationship, as Syria’s stability affects both Iraq and Türkiye.
 
He noted that Türkiye supports Syria’s current administration, which is responsible for ensuring inclusivity and refraining from interference in Syrian affairs.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani stated that, for the first time, Iraq has a government with a clear and transparent program, committed to political agreements and active engagement with all political components.

He declared 2024 as a year of achievements, promising that these accomplishments will continue into the coming years.
The Prime Minister emphasized that citizens have regained trust in the political class after witnessing tangible efforts and achievements by the government.

Al-Sudani revealed that there are currently 8,935 projects under implementation by various ministries across Baghdad and other provinces.
He added that of the 2,611 stalled projects inherited by the government, 1,455 have been resumed, and many have already been completed.

The Prime Minister highlighted that unemployment has dropped from 16.5% to 14.4%, while poverty rates have declined from 23% to 17%.
He pointed out that inflation has decreased from 6.1% in 2021 to 2.5%.

Al-Sudani stated that non-oil revenues, a key focus of the government, now make up 14% of total revenues, compared to 7% previously.
The Prime Minister announced plans to construct five new bridges across the Tigris River in Baghdad, including the Gaza Bridge, a new Jadriya Bridge, two near the suspension bridge, and a new Sarafiya and Freedom Bridge.

He noted that projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion account for 52 of the 8,935 service and development projects currently underway.
Al-Sudani assured that all projects follow a systematic plan in various developmental sectors and will continue over the next five years.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the government’s vision for executing its priorities is clear, achieving a 62% success rate, while openly addressing progress and shortcomings.

He acknowledged that efforts to revitalize the tourism sector, a vital economic resource, remain insufficient and require further attention.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani highlighted that Iraq now has direct access to the Gulf for the first time through the Al-Faw Grand Port.

He called for a new approach to political practices, encouraging professional criticism from political forces to guide actions and relations.
Al-Sudani stressed that national interests must remain the primary objective in Iraq’s relations and actions.

The Prime Minister noted that the government resolved the Kirkuk election impasse, enabling elections in the region for the first time since 2005.

He stated that the Supreme Religious Authority’s statement, following the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative’s meeting with His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sistani, reaffirmed six key principles, which the government is committed to implementing diligently.

Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq’s relations with the United States are institutional and based on a strategic agreement founded on law, shared interests, and genuine partnership.