Iraq PM: Narcotics major factor destabilizing region

Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Sudani stated Monday that drugs and narcotics are a major factor to disability in the region, cautioning that it is no less severe than wars and forced evictions. Al-Sudani made these remarks to the Baghdad's second International Conference on Drug Control at a ministerial level. The Iraqi Prime Minister indicated that this cooperation between terrorism and drug trafficking groups sets out to create isolated areas, beyond the rule of law, undermining security and stability, pointing out that drugs have been used for the enlistment of terrorists. Coordination and cooperation are necessary to monitor and disband these groups, stated Al-Sudani affirming countries readiness to cooperate with other nations to serve these purposes. Taking note of Iraq's efforts in countering and defeating terrorism over the past couple pf decades, Al-Sudani stated that his country is ready to employ this expertise for intelligence and joint security coordination. The conference, launched today, is at tended by delegations from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Turkiye, Iran, Lebanon and Egypt. Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah represents Kuwait at the meeting. Source: Kuwait News Agency