Baghdad Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi confirmed that Iraq’s position is clear on the Palestinian issue, and there is nothing on the agenda of the Saudi conference to discuss the issue of normalization.
Al-Kadhimi said in the press conference held before leaving the capital, Baghdad, heading to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Jeddah Summit: Today we are responding to an invitation received by Iraq to participate in the Jeddah Conference, which will be attended by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, in addition to the United States of America .
He added, “The conference will discuss prospects for cooperation in the field of energy, development, climate change, the challenges brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, the challenges of the war in Ukraine, and the repercussions of this war on food security.”
Al-Kadhimi said: I know that there are rumors from some that the conference has other goals, I say with all transparency: that this is inaccurate information, and attempts to confuse Iraq’s role and restore it to its role in the region and in support of its brothers and neighbors. This information is incorrect and there is no other agenda except for coordination and cooperation in the issues at hand.
He pointed out that: Iraq has not and will not be, neither today nor tomorrow, in any axis or military alliance. The national interest is the goal of these meetings in order to reach subscribers that reflect on the lives of citizens.
He added: Iraq’s position is firm and clear on the Palestinian issue and is not subject to discussion. Likewise, Iraq cannot be a starting point for threatening any of its neighboring countries, and we will not allow any party to take Iraq as a starting point to threaten its neighbors, or create problems by using Iraqi lands.
He continued, “During two years, we worked quietly to restore Iraq’s role, and to make its policy clear in balancing, zeroing problems and working on moderation.” In the past, Iraq was a meeting place for civilizations, and today it will be a forum to bring the views closer and reduce the damage to the Iraqi people.
He added: Praise be to God that Iraq has ended its isolation, and has become an effective element in the region, serving neighboring countries, and bringing views closer.
Al-Kadhimi stressed: Iraq is the country most affected by climate changes. That is why we have taken the decision to open up to all our brothers and friends in the world by benefiting from their experiences in addressing this challenge with climate change and water issues.
He said: Our slogan from the first day of this government is: Iraq is first, and we will continue with this approach in order to serve our people.
Al-Kadhimi stressed: Our position is clear on the Palestinian issue, and there is nothing on the agenda of the conference to discuss the issue of normalization.
He explained: We will discuss with the Americans what we agreed on in the strategic agreement, and revitalize agreements in the field of education, culture, health, and other areas that are reflected in the economic role.
Al-Kadhimi said, I thank all the brothers who participated in the united Friday prayer in Sadr City, east of Baghdad, which follows the path of the martyr Muhammad Muhammad Sadiq al-Sadr, and I also wish the political parties to take advantage of the initiative put forward by Muqtada al-Sadr, which is a national initiative that deserves thanks.
Al-Kadhimi continued: Today we are in dire need of wisdom, patience, reconciliation with ourselves, and restoring confidence for the sake of Iraq and the Iraqis.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency
