Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has reiterated that the role of ambassadors is not a privilege, but rather a duty and responsibility to represent Iraq on the global stage.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from al-Sudani’s media office highlighted his meeting with the newly appointed Iraqi Ambassadors, where he congratulated them on receiving the government’s and the Council of Representatives’ confidence to serve diplomatically in various countries. Al-Sudani stressed that ambassadors are tasked with defending Iraq’s interests and its people’s diversity by utilizing their diplomatic expertise. He underscored that the ambassadors were selected based on specific criteria and requirements and expressed confidence in their ability to shape Iraq’s diplomatic strategy and build a modern diplomacy to meet future demands.
Al-Sudani emphasized the necessity for ambassadors to remain impartial and steer clear of political alignments, as Iraq is in a phase of recovery and stability, reclaiming its leadership role in the region. He mentioned that Iraq has maintained a clear foreign policy, established broad international relations, and upheld its stance on the Palestinian cause and regional conflicts. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of reflecting Iraq’s balanced position on regional events while safeguarding national interests.
One of the key responsibilities of ambassadors, al-Sudani noted, is to strengthen economic partnerships by presenting studies and proposals. He pointed out that Iraq is moving from a rentier economy to a diversified one, with reforms in banking, customs, and tax sectors to foster a conducive investment environment. Additionally, he acknowledged the environmental challenges and water crisis facing Iraq, urging ambassadors to play a pivotal role in diplomatic negotiations with relevant countries and international bodies.
Al-Sudani also emphasized the role of ‘soft diplomacy’ through cultural and sporting initiatives to foster closer ties among people and assured that resources would be made available to support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ambassadors in various capitals. He highlighted the need for maintaining and revitalizing joint committees, which are crucial for foreign relations between Iraq and other nations.
Reflecting on the past, al-Sudani noted that during the previous regime, people fled from Iraqi embassies, but today, these institutions serve the citizens. He outlined that a priority for ambassadors is to care for the diverse Iraqi communities abroad and work towards connecting them with their homeland.