Iraq’s De-escalation Efforts Highlighted in New York

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani addressed the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting Iraq’s significant efforts in de-escalating regional tensions and preventing the expansion of conflict.

During his speech, Prime Minister Al-Sudani shed light on the dire situation in the Middle East, particularly in the wake of the recent violence targeting innocent civilians in Gaza and the occupied territories, as well as Lebanon. He highlighted Iraq’s consistent warnings following the events of October 7th and the need to halt the ongoing war, which has resulted in countless casualties and widespread suffering.

Key points from Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s remarks included:

– Iraq’s role in maintaining regional security and stability through exceptional de-escalation efforts and support for peace initiatives, including President Biden’s recent proposal.
– The country’s commitment to urging all regional parties to exercise restraint to prevent further conflict.
– Iraq’s initiative to call for a summit on Lebanon and ongoing dialogues with regional leaders to promote peace.
– The strategic relationship between Iraq and the United States, rooted in historical cooperation to combat terrorism and the shared goal of stability in the region.
– An acknowledgment of the Coalition’s evolving role, now consisting primarily of advisory forces, and Iraq’s intention to reassess its presence moving forward.
– Plans for economic growth through a three-year budget with an investment plan of approximately $83 billion, aiming to enhance infrastructure and public services for citizens.

The Prime Minister concluded with an optimistic view of the government’s commitment to service delivery and infrastructure development, highlighting that over 33% of the investment plan has already been implemented, reinforcing the public’s confidence in the government’s initiatives.

The Concordia Summit, which addressed crucial topics such as cultural diplomacy, security, and geopolitical risks, provided a platform for leaders to discuss collaborative approaches to global challenges.

Source: Prime Minister Office