Al-Sudani meets EU, UNSC ambassadors to discuss regional and domestic issues

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Wednesday with ambassadors of the European Union and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to discuss regional developments, international cooperation, and internal governance, according to a statement from his media office.

Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of “strengthening partnerships between Iraq and its friendly countries,” highlighting outcomes from the recent Arab Summit in Baghdad as “positive.”

Commenting on regional issues, the prime minister criticized the Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating, “The occupation government’s prevention of humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, aimed at perpetuating starvation, constitutes a form of genocide.” He added that Iraq continues to fulfill its regional responsibilities through “legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian channels.”

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Wednesday, the Ambassadors of the European Union to Iraq, along with the Ambassadors of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between Iraq and its friendly countries, particularly the European Union and the permanent members of the Security Council. He also referred to the recent Arab Summit hosted in Baghdad, which produced positive outcomes, decisions, and initiatives that contribute to advancing development and fostering stronger relations among Arab nations.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that the government continues to address domestic issues using legal and constitutional frameworks to ensure justice and equality for all citizens.

For their part, the Ambassadors commended Iraq’s regional and international role, and praised its efforts in hosting the Arab Summit, which contributed to strengthening economic relations. They also supported the Iraqi government’s policy in addressing internal challenges and resolving administrative matters between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Moreover, they welcomed the government’s steps toward promoting minority rights, ensuring decent living conditions, and consolidating sustainable civil peace. The Ambassadors also conveyed the European Union’s desire to expand economic and trade cooperation with Iraq.

Key highlights from the Prime Minister’s Remarks:

🔷 We must all recognize the grave consequences of the continued suffering of the Palestinian people. The occupation government’s prevention of humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, aimed at perpetuating starvation, constitutes a form of genocide.

🔷 Iraq is fulfilling its regional role through legal, diplomatic, and humanitarian channels while remaining keen to avoid involvement in any conflict.

🔷 We are closely monitoring the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and hope they lead to a balanced and just agreement. Escalation will not resolve this issue.

🔷 We reaffirm our continued support for the brotherly people of Syria and seek to alleviate their suffering. We also encourage the new Syrian leadership to pursue an inclusive political process based on the principle of citizenship.

🔷 We support political consensus in Lebanon and the formation of a government. We strongly condemn the ongoing attacks, which have hindered stability and reconstruction efforts there.

🔷 The government places great importance on Iraq’s relationship with Kuwait and is committed to resolving the issues of missing persons and the national archives through bilateral cooperation.

🔷 Yesterday, we commemorated the anniversary of the fall of Mosul and the events of the ISIS invasion in 2014. We extend our gratitude to all our friends who supported Iraq in its battle against terrorism.

🔷 Iraq’s diversity stands as a pillar of strength and internal cohesion, not a source of division or concern.