Iraqi Prime Minister to the United Nations: We are committed to keeping weapons and instruments of force in the hands of the state
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Falhi al-Zaidi affirmed the commitment to ensuring that weapons and instruments of force remain in the hands of the state’s constitutional institutions, so that the law serves as the ultimate arbiter and the national interest acts as the guiding compass.
In a speech delivered today before the United Nations General Assembly, Zaidi stated, “Our executive measures in this area are progressing in the right direction, as they form the foundation for building a state of institutions, protecting sovereignty, consolidating stability, and creating the necessary environment for development and investment.”
He added, “With the conclusion of the International Coalition’s mission in Iraq, we are transitioning our relationship with our strategic partners to a new phase of cooperation, shifting from military collaboration to economic and developmental cooperation that serves our shared interests.”
He continued, “In doing so, we are adding to the Iraqi people’s victory over terrorism a renewed and intensified resolve and momentum to complete the building of our security and military capabilities to protect our land, our people, and our sovereignty.”
He called for “securing the borders, addressing vulnerabilities, and maintaining constant vigilance to prevent the emergence of an environment that fuels extremism. These are our governing priorities. We remain committed to ensuring that the state retains the authority to make decisions in times of peace and war. Our vision at this stage is driven by our national will to restore the prestige of the law, strengthen state institutions, and solidify citizens’ trust in them.”
He said, “Our government has adopted an ambitious program to increase crude oil production in line with the scale of our confirmed reserves, develop gas fields, expand refining capacities and the production of derivatives and petrochemical industries. Our ambition is for Iraq to become a global hub for energy production and to leverage its potential to enhance regional and international security and stability in a sustainable manner.”
He added, “We view with concern the repercussions related to the freedom of navigation and maritime transit, and the resulting global energy price crisis. We are working to diversify our oil export outlets and develop energy lines and corridors linking Iraq with Turkey, Jordan, and Syria, extending to global markets, with the aim of contributing to energy security and diversifying supply routes.”
He called on countries around the world to invest in Iraq, noting that it possesses the resources, market, location, and will to build a new economy. He emphasized that economic diversification based on genuine partnerships is a central strategic objective in his country’s economic policy.
He added, “Our vision aims to transition Iraq into a phase where it becomes an effective productive partner in the region, by gradually reducing the effects of the rentier economy, promoting open-market policies, developing productive and export capacities, and investing in infrastructure and services.”
