Iraq's PM Highlights National Dialogue Amid Turbulent Regional Shifts
At the 7th Baghdad Dialogue Conference, al-Sudani said free expression is both a political ideal and a practical tool to tackle Iraq's challenges.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a call for unity and balanced governance, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated that dialogue remains the cornerstone of Iraq’s strategy to navigate an increasingly complex regional and international landscape.
Speaking at the opening of the International Baghdad Dialogue Conference on Saturday, al-Sudani underscored that the nation’s commitment to open, constitutionally guaranteed free expression is not merely a political ideal, but a pragmatic tool to resolve the myriad challenges confronting Iraq.
In his address, the Iraqi Prime Minister emphasized that “the opportunity for direct national dialogue is always open to address all files and issues.”
He further elaborated that Iraq’s foreign policy is crafted around a policy of strong balance—a deliberate stance of non-alignment aimed at preventing the spread of conflict while steadfastly upholding core national principles.
Al-Sudani’s remarks come at a critical juncture as Iraq grapples with both internal political demands and shifting dynamics on the regional stage.
“Our government has assumed its constitutional duties and is fully aware of the vast internal and external political challenges that lie ahead,” he noted.
Acknowledging the difficulties of meeting public aspirations amid external pressures, al-Sudani stressed that Iraq has weathered numerous “unrealistic bids and proposals” that failed to consider the country’s long-term stability and interests.
Highlighting the achievements born from robust dialogue, al-Sudani recalled how “through responsible dialogue, we concluded the mission of the international coalition to fight ISIS and transitioned to bilateral relations and security coordination with the countries that participated in it.”
Central to the Prime Minister’s agenda is the ambitious “Development Road,” an initiative poised to become a transformative economic lever for Iraq.
“Iraq is determined to make significant strides on the path of development and reconstruction—a path that cannot be delayed or postponed,” he declared.
The Development Road is envisioned as a catalyst for economic revival and regional integration, offering new avenues for commercial, cultural, and economic exchanges with neighboring and allied countries.
This initiative, according to al-Sudani, is not only about enhancing Iraq’s economic standing but also about bolstering the nation’s historical and cultural legacy.
The Iraqi Prime Minister’s remarks also reiterated Iraq’s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause, reinforcing that the struggle remains central to the nation’s foreign policy.
“We have adhered to a policy of balance,” he said, stressing that Iraq’s diplomatic efforts continue to be guided by a principled stance in the face of complex regional conflicts.
Concluding his address, al-Sudani renewed his support for ongoing initiatives that promote dialogue and mutual understanding. “I renew my support and encouragement for everything being proposed within the framework of enhancing dialogue and making ideas a platform for meeting and mutual understanding,” he stated, leaving delegates with a powerful vision of an Iraq that leverages discourse as the pathway to lasting peace and progress.
