In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Respected attendees,
May God's peace be upon you all.

It is a pleasure to be with you today to exchange views on the recent developments in the Middle East and Iraq’s position regarding these developments, which continue to impact our country. For more than a year, the Middle East has experienced continuous political, security, and military unrest. This ongoing turmoil has reshaped the political landscape of some countries in the region and poses serious security and social risks to others. Iraq will not remain unaffected unless swift internal actions are taken to resolve key issues decisively. These actions must also be accompanied by coordinated measures in consultation with neighboring and regional countries.

For nearly a year and a half, the Palestinian people have endured an ongoing assault that began in the Gaza Strip and has now extended to the West Bank—while much of the world remains silent. This has led to a horrific humanitarian catastrophe marked by the killing of women, children, and the elderly, as well as the displacement of defenseless civilians.

Once again, we emphasize the urgent need to uphold the ceasefire, provide immediate aid to those affected, and affirm the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state in their homeland.

Regarding the political changes that have occurred in Syria, we welcome the democratic choices of the people and their efforts toward change and progress in building good governance. We hope that this transformation will fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people in all their ethnic, religious, and social components.

For our part, we are committed to establishing friendly relations with the new governing system, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Iraq is ready to assist in accelerating the process of internal stability in sisterly Syria and in realizing the hopes of the Syrian people.

Terrorism remains a threat to the entire world—especially to Iraq and our people, who have long been targeted. Terrorists have attacked not only civilians but also buildings, universities, archaeological sites, scholars, religious leaders, and highly educated individuals, in an attempt to empty the country of its experts and talented minds.

Were it not for the immense sacrifices made by our security institutions of all types, and the unity of effort among our people of all ethnicities and sects, Iraq would not have been liberated from this occupation. The Iraqi people have written a new national epic in defense of the homeland and its citizens.

Today, after all these sacrifices, terrorism is once again re-emerging, threatening Iraq and neighboring countries with new strategies aimed at avenging its defeat. In response, we believe that unifying our political vision, consolidating efforts, and achieving national integration are essential to confronting and defeating these renewed hostile plans that persistently endanger not only Iraq but the entire region.

Due to the policies of the dictatorial regime—its totalitarian governing philosophy, monopolization of power, suppression of freedoms, denial of the national rights of Iraqis, and interference in the internal affairs of other countries, especially neighboring ones—the Iraqi people endured many hardships. That philosophy brought only destruction, strained relationships, the loss of friends and allies, and international isolation for Iraq.

In light of this, we emphasize that Iraq’s current policy is founded on cooperation and complementarity with other nations, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, and respect for the choices of peoples in establishing their own systems of governance.

After 2003, Iraqis chose a new political system based on the principles of democracy, justice, social equality, and non-discrimination among citizens on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or sect. It is also grounded in the principle of power-sharing in a way that ensures the rights of all.

Therefore, a full commitment to the principles of the constitution—and to advancing social justice and equality among all ethnic and sectarian groups—is essential for preserving our democratic system. Only through this path can the people achieve freedom, prosperity, and stability. There is no alternative.

Intensifying cooperation and coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government across all fields is in everyone’s interest. Iraq is rich in its people and in the diversity of its national, social, and ethnic components. It is also rich in natural resources and wealth. All of these assets should be harnessed to improve the economy, accelerate growth, and direct Iraq’s wealth toward construction, development, and serving all provinces.

Iraq’s new policy is based on principles of respecting the sovereignty of other nations and the choices of peoples, maintaining a commitment to establishing balanced, friendly relations with all, and rejecting any interference in Iraq’s internal affairs. Iraq has the capacity to respond to any intervention or violation of its borders and territory. However, we believe in diplomatic solutions, friendly dialogue, and mutual understanding—not out of weakness, God forbid—but to preserve balanced relationships and protect people from the devastation of war.

Today, Iraq enjoys a level of security and social stability it has not experienced in the past. This would not have been possible without the efforts of the various security institutions. We also emphasize the importance of continuing and strengthening political stability, which has contributed significantly to the current security environment. Security and political stability are the gateway to economic growth, attracting investment, and achieving sustainable development.

However, despite the stability of oil prices and the balance between the fixed price of oil in the general budget and the prevailing market prices, the Ministry of Finance's failure to complete the financing of service and investment projects for ministries and provinces remains a major obstacle to economic progress and reconstruction in Iraq. This issue extends beyond the non-financing of investment projects—it affects all sectors of the operational budget, except for salaries. This situation calls for a firm stance and a thorough investigation of the underlying causes. Transparency and integrity in financial dealings are essential for any democratic state.

In conclusion, Iraq—with its security, stability, natural wealth, and human capital—can and will be a source of stability in the region. It will serve as a bridge of friendship between nations and will support the aspirations of peoples and countries striving for a free and dignified life.