Leaders attending the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership have called for stronger support for Iraq to help it maintain security and stability, and achieve comprehensive development….reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, affirmed the UAE’s keenness to support all efforts to achieve security, stability and prosperity for Iraq and its people, as well as to counter foreign interventions in its internal affairs.
He also stressed that Iraq’s stability will reinforce the region’s security.
In his statement, while heading the Emirati delegation participating in the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, which began in Jordan, Sheikh Saud said that the UAE is continuing to support the efforts to promote peace and the culture of tolerance, moderation and coexistence, as well as combat violence, hate and extremism.
The conference, which was held in the Jordanian town of Sweimeh by the Dead Sea shore, was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as leaders and officials from Arab states, the UN, Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and European Union.
Sheikh Saud also affirmed the importance of Arab and regional cooperation to create a stable region and prosperous future while pointing out the efforts of the Iraqi government to organise the first Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. Its success is a major step in Iraq’s efforts to regain its natural role in the Arab region.
The high-level regional and international participation in the event underscores the keenness to support Iraq through this critical period, he added. He expressed his hope in the success of the conference and affirmed the need to capitalise on its outcomes, and cooperate with Iraq to help it overcome its challenges.
The second edition of the conference offers an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing Iraq and affecting the region’s stability and security, he further added. He stressed that dialogue between the region’s countries of the region is the only way to create a prosperous future for Iraq and the region.
At the end of his statement, Sheikh Saud thanked Jordan and France for organising the event.
Stronger support for Iraq
In the conference’s final declaration, participants stressed the need for more support for Iraq in the fields of energy, water, electrical connectivity, food and health security, transportation, infrastructure projects and climate protection.
Reiterating their condemnation of extremism and terrorism in all forms, the participants also renewed their support for Iraq’s efforts to combat terrorism and achieve comprehensive development and economic integration in various sectors.
At the conference’s opening on Tuesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan called for increased cooperation with Iraq to help the country continue its advance toward security, stability and prosperity.
The King called for increased regional cooperation with Iraq to ensure a continued supply of energy and commodities, while stressing the need to address the climate change impacts at the regional level, said a statement by the Jordanian Royal Hashemite Court.
In his speech at the conference, Iraqi PM Sudani expressed the hope to enhance relations with neighbouring and friendly countries in various fields to help enhance stability and development in the region, Jordanian state-run Petra news agency reported.
Sudani said the Iraqi government has adopted an “open approach” to building regional and international partnerships based on joint interests, including the establishment of comprehensive strategic projects connecting Iraq with its neighbours.
He said that the Iraqi government is working hard to improve the country’s investment environment in terms of legislation, procedures and guarantees, in order to enable investors to access Iraqi markets and take advantage of the “significant” opportunities it offers.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi noted that the conference comes at a time of a “remarkable” improvement in conditions in Iraq, while praising the sacrifices and efforts of the Iraqi people in fighting terrorism. He also voiced Egypt’s utter rejection of interference in Iraqi domestic affairs.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that the kingdom supports Iraq’s efforts to face challenges, while unveiling the Saudi plans to activate an electricity connection project with Iraq.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said that dialogue and cooperation among countries in the region is not an option, but rather a dire need, adding that Iran’s fixed policy is to avoid war and exert efforts to restore security and stability.
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