Baghdad II confirms need to stand by Iraq in the face of challenges

• 

Participants in the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, also known as the Baghdad II meeting held in Jordan, stressed on Tuesday the need to stand with Iraq in facing all challenges, including terrorism, in addition to supporting Baghdad's efforts to achieve economic development.

According to the conference's concluding statement, the participants renewed "their support for Iraq in its efforts to consolidate the state of the constitution and the law, strengthen governance and build institutions capable of continuing progress and reconstruction, protecting its capabilities and meeting the aspirations of its people."

They also affirmed their "support for Iraq’s efforts to achieve comprehensive development and work to build economic integration and cooperation with it in many sectors, including energy, water, electrical interconnection, food and health security, transportation, infrastructure projects, and climate protection."

The Baghdad II participants highlighted the importance of the tripartite cooperation mechanism between Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq, as well as the economic projects that were agreed upon in its context, including electrical interconnection projects between them.

In the same context, the participants reviewed "the repercussions of regional and international crises on Iraq and the region, and stressed that overcoming them requires comprehensive regional cooperation, and serious and effective economic and political approaches and solutions that reflect common interests, support the development process in Iraq and contribute to the regional development process."

On its part, Jordan expressed its appreciation for the active participation of leaders and representatives of countries and regional and international organizations participating in the Baghdad II conference and its clear keenness to enhance cooperation in light of the challenges that have made systematic joint action a more urgent necessity imposed by common interests and a viable way to achieve the aspirations of peoples in building a better future filled with security, stability, prosperity.

In a related context, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi announced in a press conference that Egypt will host the third session of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership next year.

Iran expresses readiness to cooperate with all countries in the region

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian considered that dialogue among the countries of the region to reach a common understanding in order to establish peace and stability is not an option but a necessity.

In his speech during the Baghdad II conference, Amir-Abdollahian expressed his hope that "in light of such meetings we will reach a stable, prosperous, and strong region."

The top Iranian diplomat stressed Iran's support for Iraq and the government of Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani in order to realize the prosperity of the country, expressing "Iran's readiness to cooperate with all countries in the region."

The Iranian Minister indicated that martyrs General Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis will be remembered by the nations of the region.

He mentioned that he held talks with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell and thanked him for his constructive role in the Vienna talks, expressing Iran's readiness to conclude the nuclear talks if its red lines are respected.

Jordanian King stresses urgent need for stability in the region

On his part, Jordanian King Abdullah said, "We support Iraq's efforts in preserving its security and sovereignty and strengthening regional security."

The King considered that the conference "confirms Iraq's pivotal role and that Iraq's stability is a cornerstone of the region," stressing the "urgent need for stability in the region, cooperation, and addressing issues of poverty and unemployment."

Iraqi government has adopted an open approach

In the same context, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani said his government has adopted an open approach with the aim of establishing regional and international partnerships based on common interests.

"We are working together to change from consumer countries to producer countries through the creation of joint industrial zones," Al-Sudani indicated, adding that his government has started an anti-corruption campaign.

The Iraqi premier pointed out that his country intends "to seriously cooperate with our neighbors Turkey and Iran and find the best way for joint management of transboundary water resources."

In the same context, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein pointed out that it is Baghdad's responsibility to prevent armed groups from using the country's lands to launch attacks on neighboring countries, pointing to the need for those countries to respect Iraq's sovereignty.

Hussein indicated that his country is constantly communicating with Turkey and Iran to stop attacks on places of deployment of hostile armed groups within its territory, stressing that Baghdad has taken measures to prevent the use of its lands to launch attacks against neighboring countries.

Macron renews France's commitment to supporting security of Iraq

On his part, French President Emmanuel Macron considered that "if we want to guarantee Iraq's stability, we must resolve its problems with its neighbors."

Macron renewed his country's commitment to supporting the security and sovereignty of Iraq, adding that "the participating countries in the conference all seek to establish security and stability in Iraq and in the region."

Al-Sisi: Security in Iraq witnessing remarkable improvement

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said the "security situation in Iraq is witnessing a remarkable improvement," adding that the conference is an "opportunity for development and coordination with Iraq in facing challenges."

Al-Sisi indicated that Egypt "has a sincere desire to open a new phase of partnership with Iraq" and rejects any foreign interference in Iraq's affairs.