Baghdad: The head of the Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, reiterated that safeguarding public funds is a critical priority, emphasizing that legal measures will be enforced against any violations.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Lami made this statement during a meeting at the commission’s headquarters with the Finnish ambassador, Antti Potkonen. He highlighted that combating corruption is at the forefront of the Iraqi government’s agenda, supported by both legislative and judicial authorities. The Integrity Commission is actively pursuing individuals involved in corruption and is focused on recovering misappropriated funds.

Al-Lami stressed the importance of international collaboration in tackling corruption, expressing hope for expanded cooperation with global partners to unify efforts, forge partnerships, and provide legal assistance to overcome challenges in retrieving funds acquired through corrupt practices.

He emphasized that combating corruption is essential for creating a secure and appealing investment environment. The Commission is dedicated to protecting foreign investors from extortion, which boosts confidence in Iraq’s investment landscape and supports the execution of reconstruction and development projects, paving the way for sustainable growth.

The commission conducts its work in accordance with the law, focusing on protecting public resources without regard to the status of those involved in misappropriation. Discussions between Iraq and Finland also included potential cooperation, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to exchange expertise and enhance training programs in corruption prevention and integrity promotion.

The Finnish ambassador commended Iraq’s anti-corruption efforts and acknowledged the country’s serious commitment to this cause. He expressed optimism for Iraq to become a leader in corruption prevention and combating, and affirmed his willingness to solidify cooperation through a formal agreement between the two nations’ commissions.