Iraqi President: Iraq is Not Immune to the Risks of Middle East's Events

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid at the Third Erbil Forum.

During the Third Erbil Forum on “The Accumulated Concern About the Future of the Middle East,” Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid stressed that Iraq is not immune to the risks of the Middle East's events, calling for urgent and decisive internal measures to address specific challenges.

President said in his key note speech at the Third Erbil Forum: "Iraq The Middle East has experienced over a year of continuous political, security and military developments. These dynamics have significantly impacted the political landscape in some countries, while posing considerable security and societal threats in others."

"Iraq is not immune to these risks, and urgent, decisive internal measures are needed to address specific challenges," he warned.

Speaking about Syria, he reaffirmed that Iraq remains committed to fostering respectful and cooperative relations with Syria’s new governing system, grounded in mutual understanding and non-interference in internal affairs.

President Rashid also reiterated that terrorism remains a global threat.

"Iraq has suffered its worst consequences," he said. 

The Iraqi people have once again shown incredible courage in defending their homeland," he said in reference to Iraq's victory over terrorism, however, he warned that despite these sacrifices, terrorism is resurging, threatening Iraq and its neighbors with new tactics aimed at achieving its goals and avenging its past defeats. 

He emphasised that a unifying political vision, consolidating efforts and achieving national integration are now imperative to face this challenge.

"We remain committed to non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries while respecting the choices of all peoples in forming their governing systems," he reaffirmed.

He further stated: "We must remain fully committed to constitutional principles, social justice and equal rights for all citizens. There is no alternative to this path if we want our people to experience freedom, prosperity and stability."

Speaking about the relations between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), President Rashid emphasised that strengthening cooperation and coordination between the federal government and the KRG across all sectors is in everyone’s best interest. 

He said: "Iraq’s true wealth lies in its people—its diverse ethnic, social and cultural fabric—as well as its abundant natural resources. By effectively harnessing these assets, we can boost economic growth, accelerate development and ensure that Iraq’s wealth serves all governorates equitably."

He further reiterated rejection of interference in Iraq's internal affairs, stating: "Iraq’s new policy is rooted in respecting the sovereignty of nations, acknowledging the choices of their peoples and establishing balanced, friendly relations with all. At the same time, we firmly reject any interference in Iraq’s internal affairs." 

"While Iraq is fully capable of responding to any intervention or violation of its borders and territory, we remain committed to diplomacy, cordial dialogue and mutual understanding," he said.



PUKMEDIA