Iraq National Security Advisor Calls for Peaceful Settlement Of Russia-Ukraine War

MOSCOW — Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji voiced support for all international efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, calling for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and mutual understanding. Speaking at the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in Moscow, al-Araji emphasized Iraq’s continued commitment to regional stability and its belief in diplomacy as a foundation for security.

Key points from Al-Araji’s remarks at the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, held in Moscow:

• We greatly appreciate the efforts of the government of the Russian Federation and the officials for their kind invitation to review and assess various security-related issues.
• The security assessment in Iraq has shown positive indicators of good levels of stability, adaptability, and effective response in dealing with existing challenges.
• Challenges and threats remain clearly present in the Middle East and North Africa regions, as well as in Eastern Europe.
• The Middle East is facing serious challenges due to the ongoing war in Gaza, accompanied by highly complex humanitarian conditions caused by severe shortages in relief supplies and the difficulty of ensuring their safe and sustainable delivery.
• The situation in Syria continues to escalate due to ongoing Israeli attacks.
• Intensive efforts are being made in Lebanon to reach a permanent ceasefire and to return citizens displaced by the war to their original areas, in a way that contributes to building stability and restoring Lebanon as a safe, stable, independent, and sovereign country.
• Iraq welcomed the decision by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to dissolve itself and lay down arms, a strategic step toward reinforcing the path of peace.
• Iraq continues to closely monitor developments in the region, in coordination with its neighbors and allies, in hopes of achieving broader outcomes in the coming phase.
• Iraq reaffirms its support for all initiatives contributing to ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has cast a shadow over stability in both Europe and the Middle East. We hope for a peaceful settlement through dialogue and understanding, supported by the international community.
• Sustainable security is closely linked to sustainable development and political stability. Any threat to either path will have direct consequences on security at all levels.
• Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has announced the launch of a new national security strategy for Iraq for the period 2025–2030. This is the result of major efforts led by Iraq’s National Security Advisory and formal and informal governmental entities, within a comprehensive vision to enhance stability, security, and development in the country.
• Through Iraq’s experience — accompanied by grave threats and challenges in combating terrorism and confronting terrorist organizations with regional and international reach — it has become clear that tangible results can only be achieved through effective international cooperation, whether bilaterally or multilaterally.
• Iraq succeeded in combating terrorism thanks to a series of UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral cooperation, including cooperation with the Russian Federation through the quadrilateral coordination center.
• Iraq is closely following the ongoing nuclear negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, recognizing the potential direct impact of these talks on the Middle East and the Gulf region.
• We believe that dialogue is the best path to resolve disputes, and we stress the importance of high-level international security meetings, given their great significance in presenting ideas and initiatives, and in enabling bilateral and multilateral meetings — both formally and on the sidelines.