Baghdad: Government Spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi announced that Iraq has completed the necessary requirements for drafting a development roadmap based on program budgeting. He highlighted the government’s focus on making the economy the primary driver of the state. Al-Aboudi stressed that restricting weapons is essential for maintaining national sovereignty, aligning with the constitution’s prohibition on unregulated weapons. The government also plans to establish strategic floating gas terminals with American companies to secure energy resources.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Aboudi stated that the government’s vision is centered on creating a stable environment, fostering a productive economy, and forming balanced partnerships. This vision is reflected in the ministerial program, which addresses internal security issues, including the restriction of weapons to state control and unifying security decision-making under the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Al-Aboudi further elaborated on the government’s control over Iraq’s sovereignty, emphasizing the constitutional ban on unregulated weapons and the executive branch’s authority to manage this issue legally. He also discussed the Iraqi-American partnership, focusing on strategic collaboration, including facilitating American company entry into energy and electricity projects and implementing floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Khor Al-Zubair.

The planned LNG terminal is critical for converting imported LNG to meet national power generation needs, particularly during peak demand periods. Al-Aboudi also mentioned the Prime Minister’s upcoming official visit to the White House, with a focus on economic and security partnerships between Baghdad and Washington.

Al-Aboudi concluded that Iraq is nearing the end of the international coalition’s presence, marking the beginning of a comprehensive development phase. This transition follows Iraq’s prolonged fight against terrorism since 2014, and the end of foreign military presence is seen as a step towards strengthening Iraq’s sovereignty and achieving the aspirations of the Iraqi people.