Al-Hakim meets US diplomat to discuss regional peace, Iraq’s progress

BAGHDAD — Ammar Al-Hakim, head of Iraq’s Hikma Movement, met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau in Baghdad to discuss domestic political developments and regional stability, according to a statement from Al-Hakim’s office.

The statement said the two sides reviewed “the latest political developments, both domestically and regionally, and ways to promote peace in the region.”

Al-Hakim’s office highlighted Iraq’s recent progress, noting improvements in stability and public services. “We reaffirmed that Iraq is taking confident steps toward progress and prosperity,” the statement read, adding that the country “is a key player in the region contributing significantly to its stability.”

The full statement from the office of Al-Hakim:

“The latest political developments, both domestically and regionally, and ways to promote peace in the region were the main topics we discussed with the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Her Excellency Elizabeth Kennedy. We reaffirmed that Iraq is taking confident steps toward progress and prosperity, has witnessed major transformations in terms of stability at all levels, and has achieved major accomplishments in services and development. It is on its way to achieving sustainable stability and comprehensive development, and it is a key player in the region contributing significantly to its stability.

We pointed out that Iraq has completed all preparations to welcome Arab leaders for the Arab Summit to be held in Baghdad, which will provide an important opportunity for Arab leaders to consult on the challenges facing the Arab nation and the region in general, and to send messages of support to Iraq and its people.

We emphasized during the meeting the importance of the upcoming elections, as they consolidate the state of stability and represent a turning point toward achieving sustainable stability. We also called for active and informed participation, and we urge political forces and candidates to compete on the basis of programs.

We expressed our hope that the ongoing negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America will lead to an agreement that spares both parties and the region from confrontation and has a positive impact on its stability.”