In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Baghdad International Dialogue: Connecting for Development and Regional Stability
Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, with all due titles and respect,
Esteemed guests of Iraq,
Peace be upon you…
This is a proud Baghdad morning, filled with achievement, stability, and optimism, bringing us together for yet another dialogue under the banner of Baghdad for Peace.
In an era of conflicts, communication, dialogue, and mutual understanding have become defining features of Iraq, marking its diplomacy. Iraq has strengthened its diplomatic presence and expanded international relations by adopting a balanced foreign policy, free from polarization, charting a path that maintains stable relations while upholding its national values and principles.
Iraq has continued to consolidate its approach in supporting stability and defeating terrorism, enhancing its active role in reconstruction, and integrating national interests into its foreign policy. It has demonstrated the ability to employ balanced diplomacy to resolve crises and promote stability, grounded in a vision that allows Iraq to play an effective regional role.
Iraq has shown wisdom in responding to regional events by providing humanitarian support to those affected, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, advocating adherence to international charters, following peaceful approaches, rejecting oppressive policies, and taking tangible action to stop the bloodshed through urgent aid to civilians. Iraq has also leveraged its positive relations with regional and international actors to contain crises and prevent escalation.
Iraq has proven capable of balancing its deep historical values and responsibilities in defending them with prudent consideration of its national interests as a state seeking to maintain security, stability, and the welfare of its people. Iraqis have repeatedly demonstrated that the wisest strategy is to achieve interests through dialogue, understanding, and listening, avoiding violence, conflict, and coercion.
This conscious approach has allowed Iraq to adopt visions that align with the geopolitical shifts in its regional environment, enhancing its capacity to respond flexibly and effectively to global transformations. As a result, Iraq has not only protected its own interests but has also become a hub for resolving several regional crises, cementing its position as a state capable of positively influencing events and promoting stability.
Successfully guiding strategic transformation to align with regional geopolitical changes remains a key pillar in the development of Iraq’s role across its institutions, particularly think tanks. Iraq’s evolving democratic experience has enabled it to leverage its unique geographical location to strengthen partnerships. In this context, it has been necessary to optimize Iraq’s geopolitical position through productive diplomacy focused on achieving shared interests and investing in regional stability.
The Development Corridor Project exemplifies this transformation. It is not merely a logistical passage but a strategic initiative that enhances Iraq’s position and fulfills the aspirations of its people for development and stability. For the first time, Iraq undertakes a development project of this scale, forming a cornerstone for sustainable, non-oil economic diversification, transforming Iraq into an economic hub linking East and West, serving sustainable development for all.
Within the framework of promoting think tank diplomacy, the seventh edition of Baghdad Dialogue affirms Iraq’s commitment to its growing democratic experience, economic progress, and the presentation of new visions that enhance security, stability, and development. In the face of increasing global challenges, Baghdad Dialogue serves as a vital platform bringing together elites dedicated to peace, security, stability, and development. It aims to explore strategies to mitigate the planet’s vulnerabilities—from man-made risks to natural, environmental, and technological threats.
This event reflects Iraq’s position as a country committed to deepening its democratic experience through the upcoming elections, and as an active participant in international dialogues, capable of offering solutions that promote global cooperation and support efforts to build a more stable and sustainably developed future for all.
