Baghdad: Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s pivotal role in the region and the importance of partnership with friendly countries. During his reception of the ambassadors of the European Union and the permanent members of the UN Security Council, al-Sudani said: “Iraq is working to exercise its regional role through legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian frameworks, while at the same time being careful not to enter into any conflict.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Sudani added, “We are closely following the Iranian-American negotiations, and we hope they will lead to an agreement based on balanced and fair approaches. This issue cannot be addressed through escalation. We also continue our support for the brotherly Syrian people and work to alleviate their suffering. We encourage the new Syrian administration to pursue a comprehensive political process based on the principle of citizenship. We support political consensus in Lebanon in forming a government, and we condemn the ongoing attacks against it, which have hindered the process of stability and reconstruction there.”

He stressed, “We must all be aware of the seriousness of the continued suffering of the Palestinian people and the occupation government’s prevention of the delivery of aid, with the aim of continuing starvation in Gaza, which represents a form of genocide.” He noted, “The government attaches great importance to its relationship with Kuwait and is keen to address the issue of missing persons and archives within the framework of bilateral cooperation.”

During the meeting, Al-Sudani also emphasized the importance of the partnership between Iraq and friendly countries, especially the European Union and the permanent members of the UN Security Council. He also referred to the Arab Summit hosted by Baghdad and its outcomes, decisions, and initiatives that contribute to strengthening development and relations between Arab countries.

Internally, the Prime Minister explained that the government is handling internal issues in accordance with legal and constitutional procedures, with justice and equality for all citizens. He continued, “Yesterday, we commemorated the fall of Mosul and the events of the ISIS invasion in 2014, and we thank all our friends who supported Iraq in its fight against terrorism.”

The ambassadors praised Iraq’s regional and international role in the region and appreciated its efforts in convening the Arab Summit and the resulting strengthening of economic relations. They also affirmed support for the Iraqi government’s policy in resolving internal issues and administrative issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, as well as its steps toward promoting minority rights, ensuring a decent standard of living, and consolidating sustainable civil peace. They noted Europe’s desire to expand economic and trade cooperation with Iraq.