Baghdad: President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid affirmed that Iraq is determined to build a modern state founded on competence and creativity, noting that the country possesses distinguished human capacities capable of effectively contributing to innovation and sustainable development projects.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a presidential statement said that President Rashid received, on Monday at Al-Salam Palace in Baghdad, Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, President of the Arab Congress for Innovation, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of innovation and technology.

The President emphasized the importance of adopting qualitative programs that support and empower youth in modern technical and knowledge fields. He also affirmed Iraq’s keenness to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise with the Arab Congress for Innovation, in order to open new horizons for partnership in scientific research, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy, while fostering an environment that encourages creativity and scientific development across the region.

President Rashid praised the goals of the Congress in promoting joint efforts in innovation, highlighting the Iraqi experience – particularly in digital transformation – as a promising regional model. He also commended the Congress’s initiatives to stimulate investment in vital sectors, encourage private-sector participation, and enhance the role of women and youth in leading innovation and entrepreneurship. He added that launching the Arab Congress for Innovation from Baghdad reaffirms Iraq’s leading position as a regional hub for innovation and creativity.

For his part, Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his gratitude to President Rashid, confirming the Congress’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Iraqi institutions and to enrich the national environment with the latest Arab and international experiences and technologies.

He pointed out that the Arab Congress for Innovation is the first of its kind in Iraq and the region, embodying an ambitious vision for an Iraqi-led international platform that brings together leaders, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from various countries to develop practical solutions that advance sustainable development and support the knowledge-based economy.