Baghdad-INA
The head of the State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, said on Tuesday that Iraq seeks to establish the best relations with neighboring countries.
Al-Hakim's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the head of the State Forces Alliance received Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and his accompanying delegation.
The two sides discussed developments in the region, as well as bilateral relations between Iraq and Turkey and ways to activate areas of common interest and strengthen ties between the two friendly countries.
According to the statement, al-Hakim said that "Iraq seeks to establish the best relations with neighboring countries," noting that "the Iraqi constitution stipulates that Iraq must not be used as a transit route, base or launching point for threats against neighboring countries."
He stressed the need to safeguard Iraq's sovereignty and prevent all forms of foreign interference, while emphasizing the importance of expanding economic cooperation, particularly the Development Road project, describing it as a strategic opportunity to make Iraq and Turkey a link between East and West.
He noted that “Iraq has proven its ability to defeat terrorism in all its forms and labels, and has succeeded in liberating its territory and rebuilding it,” calling for the use of Iraq’s experience in counter-terrorism.
He stressed the importance of joint cooperation between the two countries to pursue the remnants of terrorism, cut off its financing channels, and counter its ideological support networks.
On regional developments, he expressed optimism that the memorandum of understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States would lead to a lasting and comprehensive agreement that would spare the region further escalation and restore security and stability.
He also called on influential regional states to support de-escalation efforts and the restoration of stability.
On the domestic level, al-Hakim explained that Iraq has overcome a difficult phase of political deadlock and succeeded in electing the three presidencies and forming the government, noting that the current challenge lies in the economic sector.
He stressed the need to diversify sources of income and export outlets for crude oil, in order to strengthen Iraq’s revenues and open new prospects for engagement with new markets.