January 10, 2023
Baghdad / Obelisk: Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani confirmed that he will visit Germany on Wednesday of next week, revealing the most important goals and files of the visit. Land or the occupation of cities, pointing out that Iraq will not be within the policy of axes and the government supported the convergence of views in the region to remove tensions, pointing to the need to adopt calm and dialogue to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Al-Sudani said during an interview with the German Bild magazine: We will visit Germany on Wednesday next week at the invitation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the context of the historical relations between Iraq and Germany, and we will be keen, through this visit, to enhance prospects for cooperation and economic partnership as well as other files related to human development and addressing climate change. And the continuation of security cooperation as well as other humanitarian issues.
He added: We will also discuss more than one initiative and idea during the visit, which was discussed by the Iraqi government and its advisors with the German embassy in Baghdad, and is related to gas investment and strengthening the presence of German investment companies in Iraq, especially since Siemens works in the electricity sector, and these issues will be given priority during our visit to Germany. What is included in the government programme?
He continued, speaking about cooperation with Berlin in the energy file, that by virtue of Iraq’s capabilities and its continuous plans to increase oil production and gas investment, it is possible to meet Germany’s energy needs in light of the conditions that the global market suffers from and the high level of demand that led to an increase in prices, and Iraq is able to meet Germany’s need. and market globally.
And on the relationship between Iraq and Iran, Al-Sudani stressed that the relationship is historical and borders extending for more than 1,200 kilometers, and there are cultural, religious and social commonalities. internal affairs.
On Iraq’s regional relations and the government’s position on the policy of axes between the Prime Minister, that Iraq will not be a party to the policy of axes in the region and the world and adopt the principle of balanced relations with neighboring countries, and we also put forward ideas to achieve economic partnerships so that Iraq is a meeting point for the countries of the region in accordance with the common interests of all, and also Iraq has adopted initiatives to bring points of view closer between Iran and the Arab countries. In my opinion, it is in Iraq’s interest to reduce tensions and bring points of view closer, because this would reflect positively on its security and the security of the region.
Regarding the position on the immigration of Iraqis to Germany, the Prime Minister affirmed that the Iraqi government does not prevent any citizen from traveling and emigrating, and it is certainly keen to provide appropriate conditions for all citizens, whether by achieving security and stability or providing job opportunities for survival, and there is an increase in immigration rates in various countries in general. Because of the economic conditions and the wars, and with regard to the Iraqis in Germany in particular, the Iraqi community represents the second largest Arab community, and any citizen there has the right to decide to return voluntarily. We, on our part, as a government, are committed to providing all facilities to achieve this return. We all hope that friends in Germany will understand the conditions of every citizen in accordance with the laws and international standards relating to the rights of refugees.
And he continued, that Iraq is keen to provide appropriate conditions for the return of any Iraqi citizen in Germany or in any country, and this is one of the files that we will discuss during our visit to Berlin and discuss according to the mechanisms that guarantee the rights of citizens and what they are convinced of and see that it is compatible with their interest, security and stability.
On the issue of security in Iraq, Al-Sudani stressed that the manifestations of security and stability exist today in Iraq thanks to the security forces and the support of the international community for Iraq, including Germany, which enabled us to liberate all Iraqi lands and defeat terrorism, and the cells or pockets of ISIS are dealt with by the security forces on an ongoing basis, but we can To say that security and stability are achieved in Iraq and we always strive for more, and stability imposes the rule of law and provides decent living conditions and social justice for all citizens without discrimination or exception.
In response to a question related to the danger of ISIS and the possibility of its return, the Prime Minister affirmed that ISIS gangs are present in Syria and there are cells present in Iraq, but they cannot seize the land or occupy a city or region, and this thought needs treatment for a long period of time, so our efforts are continuing to follow up on these cells and take action Legal measures against her, as well as stabilizing the situation in Syria, will end the presence of ISIS terrorist gangs.
Regarding the extent to which this encourages the return of Iraqi immigrants to their country, the Prime Minister indicated that those who refuse to return have their own reasons, and the government does not force citizens to return and does not support their forcible return. The return of countries to refugees corresponds to international standards and agreements that must be dealt with in accordance with the correct contexts and what guarantees the interests of all parties.
Al-Sudani stressed that he would not ask during his meeting with the German chancellor to return the Iraqi refugees because the Iraqi government is not the one who decides that.
The Prime Minister added that the Iraqi government has put in its ministerial program the promotion and preservation of security and stability, and has also put in place economic plans that address unemployment, provide job opportunities and improve services, and these plans and programs will certainly provide a state of reassurance to citizens that prevents them from thinking of seeking refuge in any country, and the decision to seek asylum. It is not easy for a citizen to take a step away from his country in light of the changing and difficult circumstances.
Regarding the human rights file in Iraq and a number of countries in the world, Al-Sudani said that Iraq suffered the most from gross violations of human rights during the period of the dictatorial regime of Saddam Hussein. And draining the marshes and other crimes, and therefore Iraq is the most country that rejects any violation of human rights in any country in the world.
He stressed that Iraq adopts the democratic approach and encourages all countries in the region and the world to implement it. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country, and in return we do not allow others to interfere in our affairs. We advise friends and brothers to respect human rights and civil, political and cultural freedoms as stipulated in international laws and agreements, and this is the best way to govern. rational, stability and justice.
Regarding the position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, Al-Sudani said that the effects of the war did not stop at the borders of the two countries, not even Europe, but rather the whole world. Wars and the effects of the economic blockade that affects people and does not affect regimes, so our position has always supported dialogue and calm, and this is what we support in our position on this war.
In another context, Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani discussed with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, today, Tuesday, securing Iraq’s share of the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates.
The media office of the Prime Minister said in a statement that Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani received today a phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicating that the overall bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries were discussed.
He added that the contact witnessed a discussion of ways to develop economic cooperation, mutual efforts to control common borders, and coordination to pursue terrorist groups in the common borders between the two countries.
Erdogan renewed his invitation to the Prime Minister to an official visit to the Republic of Turkey, in addition to inviting the Sudanese to attend the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, pointing out that during the call, they discussed securing Iraq’s share of the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates, and the continuation of cooperation in the field of trade and investment and the participation of Turkish companies in the field. Infrastructure and reconstruction projects in Iraq, and the railway link between the port of Fao in Basra and the Turkish territories.
Al-Sudani confirmed that he would accept the official invitation to visit Turkey as soon as possible.
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