Amir pledges support for Iraq’s development

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani participated with leaders of countries and heads of state of brotherly and friendly countries in the opening session of the Baghdad Conference for Co-operation and Partnership, which was held yesterday at the headquarters of the Iraqi prime minister.

Addressing the opening session, His Highness the Amir highlighted the need to support Iraq for that nation to maintain its unity and strengthen the legitimate institutions of the state and sovereignty.

At the outset, the Amir extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, for convening this important conference.

His Highness the Amir said: “We value the efforts exerted during the last years to establish security and stability in Iraq, continue building the state’s institutions, maintain the independence of Iraq, and consolidate its national sovereignty.”

“Our region is passing through challenges and crises that you are aware of, and some of the hotspots of tension thereof constitute a threat not only to the peoples of the region, but also to international peace and security, a matter that necessitates addressing the root causes that led to the emergence of these successive crises,” His Highness the Amir said.

“In this regard, we emphasise that the unity of Iraq as a nation and people, and strengthening the legitimate institutions of the state including unifying the legitimate arms under the sovereignty of the state, are among the most important steps in this direction,” he added. His Highness the Amir said Qatar believes that Iraq is qualified to play an active role in establishing security and peace in the region.

“From this perspective, we are keen on supporting it to restore its role and the status it deserves on both regional and international levels, we also believe that the security and stability of Iraq is an integral part of the security and stability of other countries in the region,” he said.

“We emphasise that we will continue our support for the brotherly people of Iraq, and to assist them in achieving their aspirations for peace, security and development.” His Highness the Amir said: “Iraq is a country rich in natural and human resources, but wars, terrorism, and manifold social and political ills which it experienced, impeded it from benefiting from its actual potentials.”

“However, this is definitely a temporary situation, because we are confident that Iraq is rediscovering the sources of its power, foremost of which is the Iraqi citizen who belongs to his nation and people,” he added.

“We call on the international community to provide the necessary support to this country, to enable it to complete the reconstruction of its civil and military institutions, to achieve the desired security, stability and development for the brotherly Iraqi people in the aftermath of a prolonged suffering.”

Concluding his speech, His Highness the Amir reiterated that Qatar will spare no eff ort to stand by Iraq and support the brotherly Iraqi people, and assist them in their eff orts to achieve a comprehensive development in their country, hoping that this conference would contribute to creating a supportive regional environment to achieve these aspired goals and noble ends. The session was attended by members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir, a number of members of the delegations of the participating countries, and ranking officials.

His Highness the Amir was seen off at Baghdad International Airport by Iraq’s Minister of Oil Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar. The Amir sent a message to Iraqi President Dr Barham Salih and Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi expressing his appreciation for the hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation during the participation in the conference.

He also expressed his hope that the outcomes of the conference help enhance the security, stability, and development in Iraq and the region. The Amir wished the president and the prime minister good health and happiness, and the Iraqi people further progress.