Iraqi Premier Urges Global Investment at UN Assembly

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi affirmed on Friday that Iraq aspires to exercise its influence as an active economic power in the region and a bridge for dialogue and cooperation among its peoples, simultaneously calling for investment in the country. In a speech delivered by Al-Zaidi during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, he expressed pride in standing before this international forum representing the Republic of Iraq, the land of ancient civilizations, the cradle of writing and law, and one of the founding states of the United Nations. He reiterated his country's commitment to the organization's charter and principles, presenting Iraq's vision for its future, its region, and the world during this critical stage. He noted that Iraq, perhaps more than others, has dealt with wars and their damages, endured their circumstances, and faced blockades and terrorism. Its people paid a heavy price in the lives of their children, resources, and development opportunities. He stated: "Despite these difficulties that made our country a battleground for wars and conflicts for decades, today we speak with full confidence about our vision for the future." Reiterating, he affirmed that Iraq looks forward to exerting its influence as an effective economic power in the region, and a bridge for dialogue and cooperation among its peoples. Al-Zaidi clarified that Iraq's current vision stems from its national will to restore the prestige of law, strengthen state institutions, and deepen citizens' trust in them, emphasizing that these are the governing priorities. He confirmed the government's commitment to ensuring the state remains the decision-maker in peace and war, and that weapons and tools of power remain in the hands of its constitutional institutions, so that law is the arbiter and national interest is the compass. He pointed out that the executive measures in this regard are moving in the right direction, as they form the foundation for building a state of institutions, protecting sovereignty, establishing stability, and preparing the necessary environment for development and investment. He reported that with the end of the international coalition's mission in Iraq, the relationship with strategic partners is shifting to a new phase from military cooperation to economic and developmental cooperation, serving common interests. He added that this further strengthens the Iraqis' victory over terrorism with renewed determination and momentum to complete the building of their security and military capabilities in protecting their land, people, and sovereignty. To sustain integration with international friends, he called on everyone to control borders, address vulnerabilities, and maintain continuous vigilance to prevent the formation of an environment conducive to extremism. In the context of institutional reform, he affirmed that the government is fighting corruption and protecting public funds, pursuing sustainable fundamental solutions to enhance performance efficiency and improve services. These efforts aim to build a strong, diversified, and modern economy that aligns with global technological and digital transformations. He noted the work to employ all successful expertise and innovative experiences in the world of economy, finance, and business to advance the country's economic and financial reform, and to provide a secure environment for national and foreign investment. He emphasized that this vision is based on Iraq's major assets, including resources and investment opportunities in energy, industry, agriculture, transport, and technology, in addition to its exceptional geographical location connecting the Iraqi economy to the world. He added that this vision aims to transition Iraq to a stage where it becomes an active productive partner in the region, through gradually reducing the effects of the rentier economy, promoting open market policies, developing productive and export capabilities, and investing in infrastructure and services. From these foundations, a suitable roadmap has been developed to support the private sector and provide the necessary legal, tax, and customs facilities and guarantees for business growth and foreign trade, and to build effective partnerships with the global market to accelerate sustainable development. In the global energy field, Al-Zaidi affirmed that Iraq's influence is directly apparent, as the government is adopting an ambitious program to increase crude oil production commensurate with its proven reserves, develop gas fields, and expand refining capabilities, as well as the production of derivatives and petrochemical industries. He further stated that the ambition is for Iraq to become a global center for energy production and to leverage its potential to enhance regional and international security and stability sustainably. However, he expressed concern about the repercussions related to freedom of transport and maritime navigation and the crisis it caused in rising global energy prices. To contain these risks and repercussions on peoples, the government is working to diversify its oil export outlets and develop energy lines and corridors connecting Iraq with Turkey, Jordan, and Syria to global markets, with the aim of contributing to energy security and diversifying supply routes. He indicated that economic diversification based on genuine partnerships is a central strategic goal in the government's economic policy, which has prioritized boosting economic and industrial development in all sectors. In this context, the "Development Road" project emerges as Iraq's comprehensive vision for regional integration, convergence, and stability, to serve as an important gateway and strategic corridor for trade, investment, industry, and energy, linking East to West, starting from the Grand Faw Port reaching Turkey and from there to Europe. He expressed Iraq's desire for this project to be available for partnership with all neighbors and friends, believing that economic interests create prosperity. He emphasized that when the countries of the region are connected by ports, railways, energy lines, trade, and investments, they develop a greater interest in protecting stability. From the UN platform, he extended an invitation to the world, saying: "Invest with Iraq, as it possesses the resources, market, location, and will to build a new economy." He added that the government is working diligently to forge partnerships that achieve mutual interests, create job opportunities, transfer technology and knowledge, and develop Iraq's productive capabilities. He noted that the security of nations and the sustainability of peace is a shared responsibility, based on the UN Charter. He asserted that true stability is not built through wars but through common interests that make cooperation more beneficial than conflict. Iraq's vision focuses on contributing to shifting the region from conflict to integration, from competition to cooperation, and from resource depletion to investment in development. On this occasion, he affirmed Iraq's outstretched hand to all, based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference, good neighborliness, strengthening mutual interests, and adopting dialogue as a means to resolve differences. He stressed that Iraq reaffirms its supportive stance on dialogue and diplomacy, based on these principles, to defuse crises and support efforts for trade passage through Iraqi territories with significant facilities, with the aim of providing alternatives to complex trade routes. Al-Zaidi stated that Iraq believes that responsibility towards peoples, their security, and stability necessitates working to end conflicts through negotiation for a secure future and preventing the outbreak of wars again. He mentioned the presence of a copy of the Code of Hammurabi, the Babylonian King, at the UN headquarters, which states that "laws were made to prevent the strong from oppressing the weak." He commented: "In today's world, we find the weak being oppressed because the law of the strong prevails, not the strength of the law." Therefore, Al-Zaidi affirmed that the Palestinian issue remains present in any discussion about regional stability, stressing that there will be no room for security in the Middle East without a just resolution to this issue, proving the Palestinian people's right to their land, self-determination, and the establishment of their sovereign state. He emphasized the utmost importance of facilitating humanitarian aid access and protecting civilians. He clarified that the security Iraq seeks is not limited to ending conflicts but extends to confronting climate change, desertification effects, and water scarcity, challenges that Iraq faces and which affect its food security. Therefore, he affirmed his country's adherence to its legitimate and fair water rights, and called for joint management of water resources in accordance with the principles of cooperation and international law. Regarding risks, Al-Zaidi stated that Iraq continues to combat organized crime through cooperation with all friends to repel its dangers and thwart cross-border drug trafficking. He called for increased information exchange and international coordination to avert this threat to societies. Amidst these challenges, he affirmed that the Iraqi individual remains the government's ultimate goal and the focus of its efforts. Relying on the high proportion of youth in society, the government strives to make them a real محور for the future economy through education, diversifying job opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, and bolstering digital economy sectors, while upholding its constitutional commitment to protecting human rights and freedoms, enhancing women's participation, caring for children, and preserving the national, religious, and cultural diversity in the country. Al-Zaidi addressed the attendees at the assembly, saying: "We confidently invite you to greater openness towards Iraq; it is a true partner capable of contributing to establishing security, enhancing stability, and accelerating development in all fields." He added: "From this platform, we say: Iraq has never been on the sidelines, but rather it is the heart of history and the pulse of the present, and it is worthy of partnership towards the future." He concluded his speech by reaffirming Iraq's supportive stance on the role of the United Nations, appreciating its efforts that embodied joint work supporting Iraq through the UNAMI mission. He affirmed his country's pursuit of productive cooperation with the organization, wishing it success in its efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of wars and the repercussions of conflict in the world.