PM: Iraq's strategic location is a natural global trade corridor

INA - BAGHDAD

PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani stressed that Iraq must not rely solely on oil, highlighting that the country’s strategic geographic location makes it a natural global trade corridor. 

Al-Sudani met on Friday with a group of tribal sheikhs and notables from across Iraq at the guesthouse of Rahim Majeesar Al-Baydani in Baghdad, according to a statement by the PM Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

He extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the attendees and thanked Al-Baydani for the invitation, commending his social and humanitarian contributions, as well as his support for security forces and displaced families during the fight against Daesh terrorist groups. 

The Prime Minister affirmed that Iraqi tribes have consistently supported the state throughout history, beginning with the 1920 Revolution and continuing through their sacrifices in all critical phases.

He praised the tribes’ role in responding to the religious authority’s call for jihad when Iraqis from all backgrounds stood together to confront terrorism - at a time when some believed the Iraqi state was on the brink of collapse. "That united stand ensured the nation’s survival and recovery."

"The Supreme Religious Authority’s call for Iraqis to reflect upon and embrace their deep cultural and intellectual heritage is both timely and meaningful. He underscored that Iraq’s rich civilization and vast natural resources empower it to overcome present and future challenges. The Authority’s recent message - that Iraq is recovering and moving along the right path - serves as a source of national reassurance in the face of fear-mongering that seeks to spread fear, anxiety, and a sense of defeat within society," he stressed.

He highlighted, saying, "What we enjoy today is the result of great sacrifices and honorable tribal stances, which we will never forget. Iraq is strong, capable, recovering, and moving forward - with recognition from regional and international institutions."
 
"Iraq plays a leading role in the region, and the scale of reconstruction and development underway from Basra to Nineveh is unprecedented. The government has prioritized the needs of the people above all personal or partisan interests," he added.
 
The Prime Minister asserted that "Iraq must not rely solely on oil; the country holds immense potential in agriculture, industry, and tourism. Our country’s strategic geographic location makes it a natural global trade corridor. That’s why we launched the Development Road project. We are working around the clock to fulfill our commitments, and Iraq possesses the resources, capabilities, and will to overcome challenges. Work is progressing on projects to deliver natural gas to our power stations."
 
"There is real political will to enact reforms, and we have made significant progress in less than two and a half years," he noted.

He pointed out that "the region has gone through extraordinary circumstances, and one of the government’s greatest challenges has been its approach to the crisis - rooted in Iraq’s principled stance on the Palestinian cause. The ongoing Zionist aggression against Palestinians reflects the failure of the international community."

"We’ve preserved Iraq’s stability through wise and responsible leadership, preventing the country from being dragged into regional conflict. Some impulsive voices called for Iraq to engage in war and conflict. Iraq’s and the Iraqi people’s interests are our top priority. There is no room for compromise, whether with internal or external actors," he stated.

PM Al-Sudani said that "the government’s approach is to uphold the state’s supreme interests. We count on religious leaders, tribal sheiks, and national elites to promote a message of unity and cohesion across society."

"Some thrive on division, crisis, and conspiracies. We must remain Alert - especially with the upcoming electoral process. We are confident that Iraq’s future is bright - powered by its people, its resources, and a sound vision for governance," he included in his remarks.