Kirkuk:The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar Al-Hakim, met with academics, experts, and professionals in Kirkuk Province to discuss Iraq’s current challenges and future prospects.

According to the National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Hakim highlighted the economic challenges Iraq is facing, in addition to past security, political, and social issues. He emphasized the need to diversify Iraq’s oil export outlets and increase production in accordance with the nation’s resources and growing population. Al-Hakim also stressed the importance of diversifying the national economy by revitalizing sectors such as agriculture, industry, tourism, investment, and modern technology.

Al-Hakim viewed the conclusion of the international coalition’s mission against terrorism in Iraq as a sign of the country’s recovery. He underscored the necessity for Iraq to manage its own affairs independently, encompassing political, economic, and social areas, as well as international relations and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling ISIS sleeper cells.

He called for enhanced internal cohesion and national unity, advocating for confidence-building measures among Iraq’s diverse communities. Al-Hakim stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships and consultations on key national issues to build an inclusive Iraq for all its citizens.

Furthermore, Al-Hakim urged the implementation of concrete steps to reassure Iraq’s various communities and address the issue of weapons held outside the state’s framework. He reminded that the Iraqi Constitution mandates that Iraq should not be used as a corridor or base for threats against neighboring countries.