British Ambassador on the occasion of the end of his mission: I express my gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years
Baghdad-INA
British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen sent a message to the Iraqis on the occasion of the end of his term.
Hitchen said in his message via the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Dear Iraqis, I will be leaving your beloved country in a few days, and I would like to express my deep gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years."
He added: "I will tell you a secret, my wife is angry with me, and this is not new, but this time there is a specific reason! She saw videos of me enjoying the beauty of your country, she saw me on top of the Malwiya Minaret, and on the banks of the Euphrates in Ramadi, and she saw me tasting Masgouf, Dolma, Bajeh, Zarda, Dahina, and Turab Al-Muluk, she saw me in the mountains of Barzan and the marshes of Dhi Qar, and in the churches of Baghdad and Mar Mattai Monastery
, and among the shrines of the Imams in Samarra, Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiya, and she also saw me celebrating the birth of the Prophet in Al-A'dhamiyah. The result? She is very angry and insists that we return one day as tourists!"
'I have learned a lot from you, the true meaning of courage, kindness, and I have seen how you, despite all the challenges, put hospitality first.!'
He continued, 'I have been fortunate to see Iraq these days at its best since the 1970s, and despite the great progress, there are still challenges, and I am proud that the UK is working with you to address it. The economy remains the biggest of these challenges: we announced exports worth $15 billion during Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's visit to London. In the field of education, we launched 12 new university partnerships, and the University of London opened in Erbil.'
'On climate change, which could threaten stability and progress, we have signed a new agreement on this issue, and announced significant British investment in water resource management. The threat of drug and human trafficking is no less dangerous than terrorism, so we are working with you to build a new agreement to support the police and enhance border security. Finally, we all know that success cannot be achieved without empowering half of society, which is why we have started a dialogue to enhance women's political and economic participation in a framework of respect and cooperation.'
'I have witnessed a significant transformation in Iraq and its place in the world,' the British Ambassador said in his message. 'Previously, the talk was about how Iraq's problems affect the region. Today, the focus is on how to protect Iraq from the crises of the region. Iraq is no longer just an item on the international agenda, but has become a participant in shaping it. Your experience and wisdom are of enormous value, especially to your neighbors in Syria, as they seek to emerge from the legacy of the past. Our partnership today is a partnership of equals. I have never been prouder than when I welcomed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to his meeting with the King as an honored guest. The weather was cold, but the welcome was warm.'
He added: "I wish this great country prosperity and stability, but with the rapid population growth (2.3% annually) and the decline in oil prices since my arrival, there must be rapid economic reform that revives the private sector and invests in the Iraqi people."
He continued: "Secondly, governance precedes political competition, and you have an upcoming test with the elections. There are two paths ahead of you: either quickly form a new government that will enhance the momentum of progress, or a long delay that may drain what has been achieved over the past two years. Patriotism requires making concessions, and quickly."
Finally, Hitchen says: "You alone are capable of solving your problems. You have the creativity, intelligence and flexibility to overcome challenges, but we hope to be by your side in this journey, not only because we want to help, but simply because we find exceptional comfort and warmth in you."
He concluded by saying: "It seems that I have talked at length, and I do not want to offend the prestige of "Abu Naji", but I am about to cry! It is time for me to go and reconcile with my wife All the best."
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