Iraqi Prime Minister: We look forward to our country becoming an effective economic force in the region
New York, September 25 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allawi reaffirmed on Friday his country’s aspiration to play an active role as an economic power in the region and as a bridge for dialogue and cooperation among its peoples. This was stated in a speech delivered by al-Allawi during the high-level segment of the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, in which he outlined his country’s vision for the current phase.
He said that Iraq is committed to being the sovereign state that decides on peace and war, and that weapons and instruments of force must remain in the hands of its constitutional institutions “so that the law is the ultimate arbiter and national interest is the compass.”
Al-Allawi clarified that executive measures in this regard are moving in the right direction, as they constitute the foundation for building a state of institutions, protecting sovereignty, consolidating stability, and creating the necessary environment for development and investment.
He noted that with the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, Iraq’s relationship with its strategic partners will enter a new phase of cooperation extending from the military domain to economic and developmental fields, serving shared interests.
On the issue of institutional reform, al-Allawi stressed that his government is engaged in a “battle against corruption and the protection of public funds,” and is pursuing fundamental, sustainable reforms to enhance performance efficiency and improve services. He added that the government is working to leverage successful expertise and innovative experiences in the fields of economy, finance, and business to advance economic and financial reforms and provide a secure environment for national and foreign investment.
Al-Allawi reaffirmed his country’s aspiration to become a global hub for energy production and to harness its potential to enhance regional and international security and stability in a sustainable manner. He pointed out that Iraq is working to diversify oil export routes and develop energy corridors and transit links connecting Iraq with Turkey, Jordan, and Syria, leading to global markets.
He also referred to the Development Corridor project as Iraq’s comprehensive vision for integration, regional cohesion, and stability, serving as an important gateway and strategic corridor for trade, investment, industry, and energy, linking the East to the West, starting from the Umm Qasr Grand Port, through Turkey, and onward to Europe.
He stated that Iraq’s vision is based on contributing to shifting the region from conflict to integration, from competition to cooperation, and from resource depletion to investing resources in development.
He reiterated Iraq’s firm support for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate crises, backed efforts to facilitate the passage of trade through Iraqi territory, and provided necessary facilitations to offer alternatives to complex trade routes.
Concluding his speech, the Iraqi Prime Minister said, “Iraq has never been on the margins; rather, it is the heart of history and the pulse of the present, and it deserves partnership toward the future.” (End) A.S.T. / R.J.
