PM: There are no pressures, no dictates, and no compliance with external desires

Baghdad - INA

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Thursday, that Iraq enjoys good relations with Iran and America, and this is an important advantage. While stressing that there are no pressures, no dictates, and no compliance with external desires, he pointed out that the events of October 7 imposed many challenges on Iraq.

The Prime Minister said in a televised interview followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The government faced many internal and external challenges, and the file of optimal use of resources and reforms in financial and economic files were among the most prominent challenges and represent the measures required to improve the economic situation and combat corruption."

He added, "The challenge of maintaining security and stability was among the important challenges, especially after achieving victory over the terrorist ISIS gangs and the importance of maintaining security."

He continued, "The events of October 7 imposed many challenges on Iraq, and the repercussions that followed require a dialogue that brings together all countries of the region, and our goal is to move away from the axes and for Iraq to be a meeting point."
The Prime Minister noted, "We have a good relationship with Iran and America, and this is an important advantage. We have distinguished relations with Arab countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and holding the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad is an important event that coincides with a difficult situation in the region."

The Prime Minister pointed out that "he was not subjected to any external or internal pressure as an official and head of government in various circumstances, and there are no pressures, dictates, or compliance with external desires, and our compass is to serve Iraq and the Iraqis."

He stressed that "the government has adopted a new approach to combating corruption, starting with reforming the institutions concerned with combating corruption, which were marred by some defects, and we adopted the approach of recovering funds and those wanted from abroad and set it as a basic criterion for foreign relations."

In what conceren the energy file, the Prime Minister noted that "Iraq has contracted electricity connection projects with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we have begun the process of connecting energy with neighboring countries, especially Jordan, and we will end the import of gas from Iran by 2028."

Regarding the situation in Syria, the Prime Minister said: “We are coordinating with Syria regarding securing the borders and the return of refugees, and we are ready to provide support. We do not want Syria to be a station for foreign conflicts, and we want to see from the Syrian administration a clear position in fighting ISIS and a clear position regarding the Israeli incursion into Syrian territory.”