AMMAN, Dec 21 (NNN-PETRA) – Participants attending the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, yesterday called for stronger support for Iraq, to help it maintain security and stability, and achieve comprehensive development.
The conference, which was held in the Jordanian town of Sweimeh, by the Dead Sea shore, was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and French President, Emmanuel Macron, as well as, leaders and officials from the Arab states, the United Nations, Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and European Union.
In the conference’s final declaration, participants stressed the need for more support for Iraq, in the fields of energy, water, electrical connectivity, food and health security, transportation, infrastructure projects and climate protection.
Reiterating their condemnation of extremism and terrorism in all forms, the participants also renewed their support for Iraq’s efforts, to combat terrorism and achieve comprehensive development and economic integration in various sectors.
At the conference’s opening yesterday, King Abdullah II of Jordan called for increased cooperation with Iraq, to help the country continue its advance towards security, stability and prosperity.
The king called for increased regional cooperation with Iraq, to ensure a continued supply of energy and commodities, while stressing the need to address the climate change impacts, at the regional level, said a statement by the Jordanian Royal Hashemite Court.
In his speech, Sudani expressed the hope to enhance relations with neighbouring and friendly countries, in various fields, to help enhance stability and development in the region.
Sudani said, the Iraqi government has adopted an “open approach” to building regional and international partnerships, based on joint interests, including the establishment of comprehensive strategic projects, connecting Iraq with its neighbours.
He said that, the Iraqi government is working hard to improve the country’s investment environment, in terms of legislation, procedures and guarantees, in order to enable investors to access Iraqi markets and take advantage of the “significant” opportunities it offers.
Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, noted that, the conference comes at a time of a “remarkable” improvement in conditions in Iraq, while praising the sacrifices and efforts of the Iraqi people in fighting terrorism. He also voiced Egypt’s utter rejection of interference in Iraq’s domestic affairs.
Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said that, Saudi Arabia supports Iraq’s efforts to face challenges, while unveiling the Saudi plans to activate an electricity connection project with Iraq.
Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said that, dialogue and cooperation among countries in the region is not an option, but rather a dire need, adding that, Iran’s fixed policy is to avoid war and exert efforts to restore security and stability.
