Iraqi PM at Arab Summit: Baghdad Champions Regional Partnerships, Proposes Reconstruction Fund

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Saturday reaffirmed Baghdad’s commitment to a foreign policy centered on regional partnerships, dialogue, and mutual interests, as he inaugurated the 34th Arab League Summit in the Iraqi capital.

Standing before an audience of Arab heads of state and international dignitaries, al-Sudani hailed Baghdad as both a cradle of civilization and a stabilizing actor in today’s Middle East, expressing pride in Iraq’s hosting of the summit at a time of regional transformation.

“Iraq has adopted a foreign policy that places partnership and cooperation at its core,” he declared. “We support solutions built on dialogue and understanding and have worked to bridge regional divides. Iraqi diplomacy aims to nurture brotherhood and moderate thought.”

Palestine at the Heart of Iraq’s Regional Vision

Al-Sudani dedicated significant attention to the Palestinian cause, calling for an immediate halt to Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. He described the ongoing violence as “genocidal,” lamenting images of starving children queuing for scraps of bread.

“This is one of the most grotesque humanitarian catastrophes in modern history,” he said. “We have consistently rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians and demand an end to these massacres, opening humanitarian corridors immediately.”

The Prime Minister urged Arab leaders to reinvigorate the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Unwavering Support for Arab Sovereignty

On Lebanon, al-Sudani voiced unequivocal condemnation of Israeli strikes in the south and reiterated Iraq’s support for Lebanese sovereignty and political stability.

Turning to Syria, he reaffirmed Baghdad’s endorsement of a unified, sovereign Syrian state.

“We will spare no effort to support our Syrian brothers in building a democratic, constitutional state founded on citizenship, religious freedom, and counterterrorism,” he said.

Addressing other crisis zones, al-Sudani stated:

• Iraq backs the unity of Yemen, calling for an end to conflict and urging full support for UN peace efforts.
• On Sudan, he called for the cessation of bloodshed and a sustainable resolution to its acute humanitarian crisis.
• For Libya, he urged a comprehensive solution rooted in dialogue to restore national cohesion and stability.

Welcoming U.S.-Iran Dialogue and Proposing Regional Reform

In an interesting statement, al-Sudani expressed full support for ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, positioning Iraq as a facilitator of regional diplomacy.

“We welcome and support U.S.-Iran talks,” he said, “as part of a vision committed to peace, coexistence, and productive dialogue.”

He called on Arab states to move “in a spirit of brotherhood and responsibility” to resolve deep-rooted issues through institutional mechanisms and strategic cooperation.

A Fund for Post-Conflict Recovery

In a bold initiative, the Iraqi premier unveiled 18 new proposals to reinvigorate Arab cooperation, including the creation of an Arab Fund for Post-Crisis Recovery and Reconstruction.

“We announce Iraq’s contribution of $20 million for the reconstruction of Gaza and another $20 million for rebuilding Lebanon,” he stated.

He concluded with a resounding affirmation of Baghdad’s role in regional transformation:

“This summit is not merely a meeting—it is the beginning of a new phase. Baghdad stands tall and unshaken, proud to host you, determined to be part of the solution, and steadfast in the face of challenge.”