Baghdad, Iraq- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shiaa al-Sudani confirmed that Baghdad is coordinating with Damascus on border security and the return of Syrian refugees, emphasizing Iraq’s readiness to provide the necessary support for regional stability.
In a televised interview, al-Sudani stated that his government does not want Syria to become a battleground for foreign conflicts but instead seeks to contribute to its stability and prosperity after years of turmoil. While reaffirming Iraq’s policy of non-interference in Syria’s internal affairs, he highlighted shared concerns with the new Syrian administration, including the need to abandon violence, extremism, and terrorism, take a clear stance against ISIS, and establish a position on Israeli incursions into Syrian territory.
He also addressed key internal challenges facing his government, particularly in the areas of security and economic reforms. He emphasized the importance of optimal resource management and implementing financial and economic measures to combat corruption and improve the economy. Strengthening security and stability in the post-ISIS era remains a priority, especially in light of the evolving regional situation following the October 7 events. He underscored Iraq’s commitment to fostering regional dialogue to avoid involvement in proxy conflicts, positioning the country as a meeting point for diplomatic engagement rather than a battleground for competing interests.
Discussing Iraq’s foreign relations, al-Sudani stressed the importance of maintaining balanced ties with both Iran and the United States, describing this equilibrium as a strategic asset. He also reaffirmed Iraq’s strong relations with Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, noting that the upcoming Arab summit in Baghdad would be a significant diplomatic event amid regional tensions. He denied any external or internal pressures influencing his tenure as Prime Minister, asserting that Iraqi decisions are made solely in the nation’s best interests without yielding to foreign demands.
On the issue of corruption, al-Sudani detailed his government’s new approach to tackling financial misconduct, beginning with institutional reforms. Iraq’s strategy includes recovering stolen funds and fugitives from abroad while using anti-corruption efforts as a key factor in strengthening foreign relations.
Energy policy was another crucial topic, with the Prime Minister announcing new electricity connectivity projects with Saudi Arabia and Jordan. These initiatives aim to diversify Iraq’s energy sources and reduce dependence on Iranian gas. He confirmed that Iraq plans to eliminate gas imports from Iran by 2028, marking a strategic shift toward boosting local production and securing alternative energy supplies.
