Baghdad Conference leaders reiterate support to Iraq

The Iraqi Foreign Affairs Ministry released a final communique following the Baghdad Conference during which, it stressed that the nine countries attending the Baghdad Conference have reiterated support for Iraq.

"The participants renewed their support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to strengthen state institutions according to constitutional mechanisms, and holding the representative parliamentary elections, and to support Iraq’s efforts to request international monitoring to ensure the integrity and transparency of the anticipated voting process," the communique said.

"The participants emphasized supporting the Iraqi government’s efforts in the reconstruction, provision of services, upgrading infrastructure, and strengthening the role of the private sector, as well as its efforts in dealing with the displaced issue and ensuring the voluntary and dignified return to their homes after ending the chapter of terrorism," it added.

The Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership took place on Saturday with the participation of  French President Emmanuel Macron, Jordanian King Abdullah II, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, UAE Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Mohammed Bin Rashid, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, as well as Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Al Ghaith, and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf.

Iraq is hoping the summit will strengthen its position as a regional mediator, as well as boosting its economic and social ties with neighboring countries. 

Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said affirmed Baghdad's rejection of turning the country into an "arena for settling international conflicts" and a launchpad for attacks on neighboring countries.

"We have reached this far, after many years of conflicts and challenges," he noted, adding that Iraq "can be one of the pillars of stability in the region."

The participants of the conference also expressed their thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Iraq in holding and sponsoring this conference which has brought together leaders of the region and friendly countries, and showed their support for the Iraqi government and people, and stressed the need to unify regional and international efforts in a way that positively reflects on the stability and security of the region. In turn, Iraq appreciated the coordinating role played by the French Republic in holding and attending this conference with an active participation. 

The participants acknowledged that the region faces common challenges that require the countries of the region to deal with them on the basis of joint cooperation and mutual interests in accordance with the principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, and respect of national sovereignty. 

They also praised Iraq’s great efforts and sacrifices in its war on terrorism with the help of the international coalition, brothers, and friends; to achieve victory. The participants welcomed the development of Iraq’s military and combat capabilities in a way that contributes to the consolidation and strengthening of security in the region, and they renewed their rejection of all types and forms of terrorism and extremist ideology. 

The attendants valued the Iraqi government efforts’ to achieve economic reform in a way that ensures sending positive messages which would encourage investment in various sectors for the benefit of everyone, creating an appropriate economic environment and enhancing the process of sustainable development and job creation. 

The participants stressed the need for continued cooperation in confronting the Covid-19 pandemic through sharing expertise and exchange of successful experiences regarding vaccination mechanisms, promoting health sectors, and building effective cooperation to confront this common challenge and its significant health, social and economic impacts. 

It was also agreed on the necessity to enhance efforts with Iraq to deal with the challenges arising from climate change and global warming in accordance with relevant international agreements. 

The attendees decided to form a follow up committee comprised of foreign ministers of participating countries, to prepare for periodic Conference future sessions, and to discuss strategic economic and investment projects proposed by Iraq. 

On its part, Iraq expressed its gratitude and appreciation for the distinguished presence of brotherly and friendly countries’ leaders, foreign ministers, regional and international organizations and diplomatic missions as participants and observers in the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership.

Macron: France will remain committed to supporting Iraq

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country's support for Iraq during the Baghdad Conference, stressing France's commitment to that and to support the Iraqi forces.

"The Iraqi people have suffered a lot, and have participated in the war against ISIS with courage, Iraq is heading today towards stability and development, Iraqis are waiting for reforms." Macron said in his speech during the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership.

The European Union will send observers for the October elections, which are scheduled to take place in Iraq on October 10, the French President added.

Macron stressed that his country is committed to supporting the Iraqi forces, stressing that France will remain committed to supporting Iraq.



PUKmedia