Prime Minister: Advancing Fundamental Solutions to Address Root Causes of Regional Challenges

Iraqi News

17-05-2025

Baghdad-INA
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani on Saturday reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to pursuing fundamental solutions aimed at tackling the root causes of the region's challenges, underscored by a spirit of brotherhood and responsibility.
The Prime Minister said, in a speech he delivered during the opening of the 34th Arab Summit, hosted by the capital, Baghdad, in a statement from his media office, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA):'Delivering his speech at the opening of the 34th Arab Summit hosted in Baghdad, Al Sudani said, 'I welcome you on behalf of the Iraqi people, and I welcome the guests of our summit—foremost among them, Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, and the esteemed UN Secretary-General António Guterres.'
He added, 'The eyes of our Arab peoples are upon you today, hoping that positions will be translated into real and practical responses to the challenges and threats we face.'
The Prime Minister highlighted Iraq's foreign policy, stating, 'Iraq has adopted a foreign policy that prioritizes partnership and cooperation with its Arab brothers.,' emphasizing that 'Iraq's foreign policy is based on the principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-alignment with regional or international axes.'
Al Sudani further affirmed, 'We have supported dialogue-based solutions and contributed to bridging various gaps through productive diplomacy.'
He underscored Iraq's vision for resolving regional crises, declaring, 'Our vision for ending crises and the sources of conflict in the region begins with the Palestinian people attaining their full right to a free and dignified life on their land and an end to the ongoing aggression.'
He stated that the 'The genocide committed against the Palestinian people has reached a level of horror unparalleled in the history of conflict'.
The Prime Minister stressed, 'We have rejected—and continue to reject—forcible displacement of Palestinians, calling for an immediate halt to the attacks on Gaza, the West Bank, and the occupied territories, and for the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid.'
He continued, 'We have all seen the images of children lining up in the hundreds for a piece of bread—perhaps they receive it, or perhaps they return empty-handed. What memories of pain and injustice will this generation carry?
Renewing his call for serious and responsible Arab action, Al Sudani urged efforts to save Gaza and reactivate the role of UNRWA in both Gaza and the West Bank. He also affirmed Iraq's support for a ceasefire in southern Lebanon and condemned repeated violations of the sovereignty of that brotherly country.
Regarding Syria, he reiterated, "We reaffirm our firm stance in support of Syria's unity and sovereignty, and our rejection of any aggression or domination over its territory,' adding," We will spare no effort in supporting our brothers in Syria to establish a state based on citizenship and a democratic constitutional system, through a transitional process that guarantees the rights of the Syrian people, ensures religious freedom for all components of society, and combats terrorism".
Al Sudani welcomed the United States' decision to lift sanctions on Syria, expressing hope that this step would alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
On Yemen, he affirmed Iraq's stance supporting unity and sovereignty, the end of conflict and division, and meeting the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni people. He stressed the urgent need to preserve the unity of brotherly Sudan and find sustainable solutions amid a severe humanitarian crisis.
On Libya, the Prime Minister emphasized the brotherly bond and called for a comprehensive solution based on dialogue to enhance stability and end internal divisions.
He expressed support for ongoing US-Iranian negotiations, emphasizing a vision rooted in peace, coexistence, and constructive communication.
'We must act according to plans that support Arab integration and unify efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, drug challenges, climate change, and all factors that strengthen Arab societal cohesion and stability,' PM Al-Sudani affirmed.
'We announce 18 ambitious initiatives to revitalize joint Arab action, foremost among them the initiative to establish an Arab Fund to support recovery and post-crisis reconstruction efforts,' he stated.
Al-sudani announced that 'Iraq pledges a contribution of $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and another $20 million for the reconstruction of brotherly Lebanon'.
'The 34th Arab Summit is not just a meeting; it marks the beginning of a new chapter and a turning point toward a better future for our peoples,' he added.
Concluding his speech, he addressed attendees, saying, 'Baghdad takes pride in your presence on its soil. It stands tall and strong—contributing to the creation of solutions and confronting challenges'