PM Al-Sudani: We do not allow interference in our internal affairs

 
Baghdad – INA

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq does not allow foreign interference in its internal affairs and maintains strong relations with both the United States and Iran.

In an interview with BBC Arabic and English, as stated by a press release from his media office received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Sudani highlighted that “the historical relationship between Iraq and the United Kingdom drives us to enhance cooperation for the benefit of both friendly countries.”

He noted that “There are prospects for enhancing relations across various sectors, including economy, trade, culture, education, and security.”
 
He added that Iraq has maintained an independent and balanced policy that prioritizes the country’s national interests, despite the challenges and developments in the region. “Our visit to the United Kingdom will mark a new era in bilateral relations,” he stressed.
He added,"Several bilateral files will be presented, starting with the Strategic Partnership Agreement, which will be signed for the first time between the two countries and will include a roadmap for various sectors".
 
“The region has witnessed numerous events since October 7, with the latest being in Syria, and we will exchange ideas and perspectives on this issue, as Iraq always resorts to dialogue and peaceful solution,” he said, adding that "We respect the will of the Syrian people in determining their future, and it is essential to respect the rights of all Syrians and combat terrorism".
 
 “We sent a delegation to Syria, and the security file is the most pressing due to the presence of ISIS terrorists in areas outside the control of the new Syrian administration, “he also confirmed.
 
Al-Sudani highlighted that There is a military presence of multiple countries in Syria, and we are against any foreign interference in the internal affairs of any Arab country. “It is vital for the new Syrian administration to respect the will of the Syrian people, prioritize their interests, and avoid becoming a tool for any foreign entity,” he said.
 
“Iraq’s balanced relationship with both the United States and Iran is an asset, and we contribute to bridging gaps between regional countries”, he noted.
 
he said “Iraq exercises independent decision-making, with no external influence controlling its policies, and we do not allow interference in our internal affairs,” Affirming thar “Our government has been working for two years on building state institutions and establishing foreign relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs”.
 
Al-Sudani further criticized the Zionist entity practices, saying “Netanyahu’s government is attempting to expand conflicts, exploiting international silence to commit crimes. The world has failed to stop these crimes, and international and Western media remain silent about Israeli violations and crimes”.
 
He emphasized that “The Strategic Development Road Project has been presented to all regional countries, and it will not negatively affect any state. We believe in economic partnerships”.
 
Regarding trilateral cooperation between Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan, Al-Sudani clarified,” The trilateral cooperation between Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan is not an alliance or a bloc but aims at partnership and strengthening relations”.
 
He pointed to Iraq's political achievements, stating that “We have a successful model of political consensus within the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition. It is too early to talk about political alliances, and all parties are committed to completing what was agreed upon.”
 
 
He also noted that,” The remnants of the dictatorial regime are still evident to this day”.
 
Al-Sudani highlighted “Our government has succeeded in raising the gas utilization rate to 67%, and we aim to achieve zero gas flaring by 2028 after completing related projects”.
 
“For the first time, Iraq has a clear vision for harnessing associated gas,” he remarked.
 
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to rebuilding public trust in state institutions and fully implementing its program “Since day one, our goal has been to restore citizens’ trust in state institutions, and we are committed to fully implementing the government’s program”.