پەرلەمانی کوردستان
President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the Baghdad International Dialogue Conference held in Baghdad this morning. The event was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq, Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, along with several senior Iraqi officials, foreign ambassadors, and diplomats.
Below is a readout of the speech delivered by President Nechirvan Barzani at the conference:
Your Excellency, Mr. Mohammed Shia Sudani, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Iraq,
Distinguished guests,
Good day to everyone,
It is an honor to be part of the 7th Baghdad International Dialogue Conference. This event embodies Iraq's vision for fostering regional openness and collaboration and its dedication to collectively pursuing stability and sustainable development.
Distinguished guests,
Iraq and the surrounding region are currently undergoing significant strategic transformations that require cooperation and partnership rather than conflict and complications. In this context, the Development Road Project represents a crucial step towards establishing a more stable and prosperous Iraq, built on a diversified economy and strengthened regional collaboration with neighboring nations.
In the Kurdistan Region, we have consistently maintained that Iraq's political and economic stability is a shared national interest. Genuine development cannot be realized without synergy between Baghdad and Erbil, as well as between Iraq and its neighboring regions.
We would like to express our unwavering support for this significant initiative and are hopeful that it will serve as a model of productive collaboration among all regions and communities within the country, as well as with Iraq's regional and international partners, extending from Zakho to Fao.
Given its strategic geographical position and abundant natural and human resources, Iraq has substantial potential to emerge as a key economic hub in the region and a vital link between the Gulf, Europe, and the East and West. However, achieving this potential necessitates adherence to several fundamental principles, including:
- The establishment of a strong legal and sustainable economic framework that consistently encourages both domestic and foreign investment, thereby creating an appealing and supportive environment for investment.
- A constructive political dialogue among Iraq's political parties and communities is essential, founded on authentic partnership, mutual understanding, and consensus to address the nation's challenges with a unified spirit and vision. This dialogue should also focus on reinforcing constitutional institutions and solidifying the federal system.
- A robust security strategy is crucial to ensure enduring stability, which will foster a reliable environment for trustworthy investors and facilitate the execution of significant projects across various infrastructure sectors.
It is also essential that the Development Road Project is acknowledged as a national initiative that connects all regions, locations, and communities throughout Iraq. This project should act as a unifying force for all citizens, transcending differences. It should exemplify true solidarity among Iraqis of various nationalities, religions, and sects, regardless of their location within the country. Ultimately, this initiative will foster the economic growth of all of Iraq.
The rich diversity of Iraqi society has contributed to its resilience and prosperity. Iraq has the potential to transform this initiative into a means of transcending ethnic, religious, and sectarian divides. This endeavor could serve as a unifying force for the nation, enhancing Iraq's economic, political, and strategic stature. It represents a significant step toward fostering a more promising future for the country.
Consequently, our endorsement of this initiative is grounded not only in economic rationale but also in strategic considerations. We perceive it as a vital move toward reinforcing Iraq's identity as a robust state in the context of local and regional security and stability. It will also serve as a significant economic influence in the Middle East, and in the long term, it may position Iraq as a notable player in the global economic landscape.
Esteemed Attendees,
The historical context of Iraq has demonstrated that development and progress are unattainable in an environment marked by instability. The stability of Iraq is intrinsically linked to the stability of the broader region; thus, our response to geopolitical shifts must be grounded in balance, moderation, cooperation, and shared interests.
In light of this, we underscore the significance of maintaining the effective diplomatic strategy the Iraqi government is implementing to enhance its international relations. I thank Prime Minister Sudani for his dedicated efforts in this area. This approach has illustrated that Iraq can serve as a conduit for dialogue rather than a battleground for conflict.
While challenges persist, Iraq is also replete with opportunities bolstered by its abundant human and natural resources. Our success hinges on our capacity to manage pluralism and diversity, foster unity, uphold good governance principles, and reinforce political and economic stability. Continuous planning, a resolute political will, and astute strategic partnerships are essential, and this conference represents a significant advancement in that endeavor.
I extend my gratitude to the Iraqi Institute for its efforts in organizing this conference and wish it great success. I hope the discussions will yield constructive recommendations that will contribute to establishing a clear roadmap for a more promising future for Iraq.
Thank you very much.
Wishing everyone a pleasant day.
