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

Distinguished guests and attendees,
Peace be upon you.

I am pleased to speak to you today at this conference, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Rudaw Media Network for organizing this important event, which has brought together an elite group of political and intellectual figures to discuss strategic topics and issues that are of great importance to Iraq, the region, and the world.

Indeed, holding a conference of this kind—at such a high level of participation—is a clear indication of Iraq’s revival and the stabilization of democratic life. It reflects our commitment to open dialogue and frank discussion as essential pillars of our political approach, which serves the goals of state-building and meets the demands of our people in achieving security and stability.

Today, through our belief in democracy, we have closed the chapter of war and conflict that held us back for many years. We have embarked on a new era of peace, stability, and development. Iraq now moves forward with full confidence, engaging with the international community from a position of maturity. Our path is guided by a clear vision based on cooperation and effective partnership with friendly and brotherly nations, as we work together to build a better future for our people.

Over the past two years, our government has remained committed to a policy centered on "Iraq First." We aim to place the interests of Iraq and its people at the forefront of our efforts, while also maintaining positive engagement with our neighboring countries and the broader international community.

We have strengthened our relations with friendly and brotherly nations on the basis of mutual interest and respect, positioning Iraq as a bridge for dialogue and cooperation. In doing so, we are helping the country reclaim its pioneering role in the region. This has been accomplished through an approach we call “productive diplomacy,” which we have adopted as a practical framework. Accordingly, Iraq’s openness—both regionally and internationally—is part of our broader strategy to expand economic partnerships and benefit from global expertise in order to reinforce our national economy. These efforts are not confined to a single party but extend to all our partners within the international community.

We continue to enhance our cooperation across all sectors to achieve sustainable development and shared benefits. In pursuit of this goal, we launched the Development Road Project, designed to serve as an economic, social, and cultural bridge between Asia and Europe. At the same time, we remain focused on strengthening security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. Our ties with member states of the international coalition—especially the United States—remain strong. We are now preparing to enter into bilateral negotiations with coalition member states to establish a clear framework for cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism, thereby ensuring lasting security and stability for Iraq and the region.

The issues discussed at this conference—whether related to regional security, economic challenges (particularly in the fields of energy and climate change), or political stability and international relations—all underscore the importance of joint efforts among international and regional political actors. It is only through collective action that we can effectively address these challenges and strengthen cooperation to achieve sustainable development.

Our cabinet has taken significant steps toward finding lasting solutions, especially concerning the so-called outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil. We have transformed these challenges into opportunities for cooperation and political maturity. We succeeded in moving these matters from a political framework to a legal one. Following the passage of the budget amendment, we are now working to complete the procedures necessary for the export of crude oil through the port of Ceyhan. We are also opening a new chapter with the companies operating in the Kurdistan Region, enabling them to contribute to the development of the Iraqi economy. This includes ensuring that employees receive their salaries and other financial entitlements without disruption.

Dear audience,

Our region today is experiencing profound and unprecedented changes not seen in decades. The Gaza Strip and Lebanon have witnessed a brutal war in which occupying forces targeted every aspect of life. Despite our deep concern for our brothers in Lebanon and Palestine, we have worked tirelessly to shield Iraq from the flames of this conflict and have made continuous efforts at the international level to help end the war.

In alignment with our commitment to promoting regional stability, we have affirmed our support for the Syrian people and their right to self-determination. We have backed every initiative we believe can help restore peace and stability in Syria, driven by our belief in a shared destiny and the need to reinforce Arab and regional solidarity.

Once again, I extend my sincere thanks and hope this forum concludes with constructive recommendations that will benefit both Iraq and the broader region.

Peace and blessings be upon you.