Iraqi PM opens second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs
He reiterated Iraq's openness to cooperation with allies and friends in the global fight against drugs and crime.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani inaugurated the second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs on Monday morning.
The conference saw the participation of delegations, including ministers of interior and drug enforcement agencies from nine Arab and regional countries, the Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In his opening speech, Iraq's Prime Minister al-Sudani welcomed the participating delegations and emphasized the critical importance of enhancing coordination and cooperation in combating the scourge of drugs.
He highlighted the severe impact of drug trafficking on society, the economy, and regional stability, underscoring Iraq's commitment to leveraging its expertise and intelligence capabilities in the fight against drugs and terrorism.
Key Points from Al-Sudani’s Speech:
1. Shared Responsibility: Combating drugs is a collective responsibility that involves all state agencies and the broader society.
2. Regional Instability: Drugs and psychotropic substances significantly contribute to instability in the region.
3. Youth at Risk: The threat of drugs extends beyond individual harm to endanger the future of entire generations.
4. Terrorism Nexus: There is a troubling link between terrorism and drug gangs, which aim to create lawless zones and destabilize security.
5. Recruitment Tool: Drugs have been used to recruit terrorists, undermining regional safety and development.
6. War-like Effects: The impact of drugs is comparable to the devastation of wars and displacement, akin to the aggression against Gaza and the Palestinian people.
7. Conflict and Violence: The objectives of drug trafficking and terrorism are to perpetuate conflict, violence, and refugee crises.
8. Societal Destruction: Drugs are a weapon for destroying societies from within, not merely substances affecting individuals.
9. Government Action: Since the outset of his administration, al-Sudani has prioritized measures to dismantle criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and strengthen community resilience through a comprehensive national strategy.
10. United Efforts: Success in the fight against drugs requires united efforts and enhanced coordination to ensure drug-free societies.
11. Regional and International Security: Coordinated action against drug gangs will bolster both regional and international security.
12. Open Cooperation: Iraq is committed to collaborating with international partners to eradicate drug trafficking networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
Al-Sudani concluded by affirming Iraq’s readiness to support all initiatives aimed at eliminating drug-related threats and enhancing security through intelligence and joint security coordination.
He reiterated Iraq's openness to cooperation with allies and friends in the global fight against drugs and crime.
