BAGHDAD, Mar 2 (NNN-NINA) – United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, met with senior Iraqi leaders here yesterday, during a visit aimed at showing the UN solidarity with Iraq.
“I am here on a visit of solidarity and confirmation of commitment of the UN to support Iraq in consolidating its democratic institutions and promoting peace, development, and human rights for Iraq,” Guterres said at a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’al-Sudani.
Earlier in the day, the UN chief held a meeting with al-Sudani, to discuss UN-Iraqi relations, climate challenges and Iraq’s need for international assistance in this regard, said the Iraqi premier’s media office, in a statement.
They also discussed Iraq’s efforts in promoting human rights and sustainable development, as well as, its “pioneer role” in reducing regional tensions, said the statement.
At the press conference, Guterres called on the international community to support Iraq, in addressing environmental challenges and diversifying the economy, as Iraq is among the countries most affected by climate change.
For his part, al-Sudani said, although his government has improved political and security stability, the country still faces climate and environmental challenges, such as, desertification and low precipitation.
These problems “coincided with the water policies of the riparian countries, whether by reducing water flows or changing the course of the rivers, which constitutes a challenge to life in general.”
Guterres arrived in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Tuesday. He has also met with Iraq President, Abdul Latif Rashid, parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
Guterres is scheduled to visit Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, to meet with Kurdish leaders.
