Welcome to Al-Zaidi

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Allousi is scheduled to visit Kuwait and Bahrain in the coming days. Despite the clouds of escalation and the unceasing drums of war between Iran and the United States, we hope this visit will take place, given its significance for both countries and their peoples. The diplomatic initiatives witnessed in Iraqi politics since Mr. al-Allousi assumed the premiership reflect a positive trend worthy of encouragement, and we hope it will yield practical outcomes that serve the interests of Iraq and its Arab neighborhood.

Undoubtedly, his task is difficult, following years during which Iraq distanced itself from its Arab environment, both influencing and being influenced by it. We are not here to review the causes or lament the past, but rather to look toward the future with a spirit of optimism and cooperation. The effort to address internal practices affecting foreign relations, and to open communication channels with Arab states, particularly Gulf countries, represents an important step toward restoring balance to regional relations and reclaiming Iraq’s natural role in its Arab neighborhood.

We do not believe the problem lies in identifying the outstanding files between Kuwait and Iraq, whether security, political, or economic; these files are known to both sides. Rather, the real challenge lies in determining mechanisms capable of addressing them on the basis of clear principles that respect the sovereignty of both countries, international agreements and resolutions, and fraternal relations and shared interests.

What is required today is the definition of clear objectives at the security, political, economic, and even social levels, along with practical mechanisms for their implementation, within specific timelines and measurable outcomes. Political reassurances and goodwill, however important, are insufficient unless accompanied by practical measures that enhance trust, safeguard rights, and ensure the security and stability of both countries.

We must not overlook the importance of popular rapprochement in supporting official efforts, by facilitating visits and communication between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi peoples, and by depriving those who seek to stir divisions and revive past sensitivities of any opportunity. The rapprochement and brotherhood witnessed between the two peoples during the Gulf Cup held in Kuwait serve as the best evidence that popular ties can overcome many barriers created by political circumstances.

Kuwait and Iraq need more than expressions of courtesy and goodwill; they need practical steps that enhance trust, safeguard sovereignty, and open avenues for cooperation. Geography has made us neighbors, and history has linked our peoples, while the future is shaped by our will and decisions. We ask God to grant success and guidance to the Kuwaiti and Iraqi leaderships, in a manner that achieves the desired rapprochement and the common interests of the two countries and their fraternal peoples.