Baghdad-INA
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi will visit Iran on Thursday, adding that the gas issue will be on the agenda for bilateral discussions.
Al-Aboudi told a press conference attended by a correspondent from the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will visit Iran tomorrow at the official invitation of the Iranian president. He will be accompanied by a ministerial delegation, and the visit will include dialogues and understandings between the two countries,” He further stated that "the gas issue will be on the table for bilateral discussions between Iraq and Iran, in accordance with Iraqi interests."
He added, "Iraq enjoys the world's attention, adopts firm positions, respects its international obligations, and acts in accordance with its supreme interests and economic interests,”He pointed out that "the agreements signed between Iraq and the United States included finding alternative oil routes, as these agreements require signed contracts and understandings, and may take up to a year to implement."
Al-Aboudi noted that "the water issue will be among the most prominent topics to be discussed during the Prime Minister's visit to Turkey at the end of this month." He explained that "the government continues to implement its ministerial program on files that are not without complexity due to policies of postponing crises, the dominance of temporary measures, and the prioritization of self-interest."
He affirmed that "the government is continuing its fight against corruption, and there are no exceptions for anyone, regardless of their affiliation or political influence," explaining that "the farmers' entitlements are among the government's top priorities, but developments in the region and their repercussions have delayed their resolution."
Al-Aboudi stressed that "the monopoly of arms by the state is an Iraqi matter and will not be discussed in any capital outside Baghdad," noting that "the Central Bank of Iraq will participate in launching the Development Fund with a significant contribution, and important countries have expressed interest in contributing to this fund."
He continued, "Iraq is pursuing an initiative based on diplomatic solutions, particularly regarding the current developments in the region. The government has also adopted a strategic approach that guides its decisions in various directions. This approach was successfully demonstrated by the agreements reached during the Prime Minister's visit to Washington in the areas of energy, development, and shared interests."
Al-Aboudi explained that "Iraq has recovered and was not part of the axes of conflict. It adheres to a policy of non-interference in the affairs of other countries and respects its international obligations. The Iraqi government is moving towards greater international engagement based on the country's economic interests."
He explained that "the Strait of Hormuz crisis is still ongoing, and Iraq has developed a roadmap of alternatives with American companies through understandings from which those companies will begin to work on alternative routes for Iraqi exports, especially since Iraq possesses an important part of the region's supplies."
