Baghdad - INA
Government Spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi affirmed on Wednesday that the government's steadfast vision is based on making the economy and its drivers the primary drivers of the state. He emphasized that the decision to restrict weapons is a cornerstone of national sovereignty, in accordance with the constitution, which prohibits all forms of unregulated weapons. He also indicated the intention to establish strategic floating gas terminals by specialized American companies to secure energy fuel.
Al-Aboudi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the government's steadfast vision is based on making the economy and its drivers the primary drivers of the state to provide a stable environment, a productive economy, and balanced partnerships." He explained that "the foundations of this environment have become tangible through the ministerial program, which leads directly to internal security issues, foremost among them restricting weapons to the state and unifying the security decision-making system under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces."
He added, "The government is firmly in control of Iraq's sovereignty, in accordance with the constitution, which prohibits all forms of unregulated weapons and empowers the executive branch to manage this issue from a legal perspective, given its position as the highest authority in the country."
Regarding the meeting between the Prime Minister and the US Presidential Special Envoy, Al-Aboudi affirmed that "the government views the meeting within the framework of the Iraqi-American partnership, which is based on a multitude of issues encompassing both general frameworks and detailed principles."
Concerning the details of investment support and the entry of foreign companies, the government spokesperson explained that "the meetings included discussions on facilitating the entry of American companies, particularly in energy and electricity projects," noting that "indicators have been set for the implementation of floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Khor Al-Zubair by specialized American companies."
He pointed out that "this terminal is of paramount strategic importance, as it will provide a suitable environment for receiving imported LNG and converting it to the form required by national power generation plants, especially to meet consumption needs during peak demand periods."
Regarding the Prime Minister's upcoming official visit to the White House at the invitation of the President, Al-Aboudi affirmed that "the visit's agenda includes files on partnership and the prospects for strategic cooperation between Baghdad and Washington," explaining that "the economic and security files represent the two most prominent pillars of this tour." Al-Aboudi clarified that "the decision to restrict weapons to the state is a national Iraqi decision, but the international perspective sees Iraq as proceeding with measures to strengthen the foundations of its sovereignty."
He continued, "Iraq, after a long and arduous journey in which it waged an existential war against terrorism since 2014, requiring all Iraqis to rise up with the help of international friends, is now approaching the end of the international coalition's presence by next September," emphasizing that "with the end of this foreign presence, the requirements for a comprehensive development phase, which the Iraqi people aspire to, will begin."