Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani participated in the 14th Concordia Summit held in New York, where he discussed Iraq's crucial role in calming tensions and stabilizing the region amid escalating crises. His remarks highlighted the importance of halting the ongoing conflict and its impacts on civilians in Gaza and the occupied territories.
At the beginning of his speech, al-Sudani expressed deep concern over the critical phase the Middle East is currently experiencing, referencing the unfortunate events following October 7 that have exacerbated humanitarian conditions. His statements underscored Iraq's efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to implement international peace initiatives.
He also reaffirmed Iraq's strategic role in its relations with the United States, explaining that these ties stem from Iraq's cooperation in combating terrorism and supporting stability. He highlighted the significance of the international coalition against ISIS, calling for a reassessment of this coalition to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
Al-Sudani did not overlook mentioning the Iraqi government's plans for economic development, noting that the country has established a massive investment budget of $83 billion over three years. He discussed the implementation rate exceeding 33% in the services sector, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the economic and living conditions of Iraqis.
In conclusion, al-Sudani emphasized the importance of assisting 12 million Iraqis on the brink of poverty through cash support programs and food baskets, stressing the government's commitment to enhancing security and stability in the region and improving the living conditions of citizens.