Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has announced that by October 1st, Iraq will be free of any foreign military presence, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of complete sovereignty.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Media Office revealed that al-Zaidi met with the Commander of the US Central Command, Charles Brad Cooper, on Wednesday. During the meeting, al-Zaidi underscored the importance of adhering to the established timelines, highlighting that September 30th is the definitive deadline for concluding the international coalition’s military mission in Iraq and withdrawing its forces.

The Prime Minister elaborated that October 1st will signify a new chapter in Iraq’s history. With the withdrawal of foreign military forces, Iraq will have achieved full sovereignty over its territory, continuing to enhance its security and military capabilities to safeguard its security and stability.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister urged adherence to constitutional principles and the foundational pillars of the state. He stressed the importance of preserving Iraq’s supreme interests and harnessing the collective energies of its people towards construction, reconstruction, and development. Al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraq now requires the efforts of all citizens to build a robust economy, a stable state, and a promising future for generations to come.

Al-Zaidi also highlighted that the state’s exclusive control over the use of force, in accordance with the law, protects all citizens, reinforces state authority and sovereignty, ensures security and stability, and is essential for Iraq’s transition to a new era of development and prosperity.

The statement further noted that both parties affirmed their full and final agreement to conclude the international coalition’s military mission, a decision made during the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington in mid-July. The future of Iraqi-American relations will focus on cooperation and partnership in economic, developmental, and security sectors, founded on mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests.