At a Glance

• Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi addressed the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
• He outlined government priorities spanning state authority, economic reform, investment, and energy.
• Al-Zaidi called for stronger regional cooperation, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty.
• He also urged international investors to engage with Iraq and its development projects.

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to outline his government's priorities for state institutions, economic development, and Iraq's role in the region.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• State Authority: “We are committed to ensuring that weapons and instruments of power remain strictly in the hands of constitutional state institutions.” — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.
• Economic Partnership: “We call on the world to invest with Iraq.” — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.
• Focus Area: Al-Zaidi's address combined efforts to strengthen state institutions with economic diversification, investment, and regional integration.

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Al-Zaidi said his government's approach is based on restoring the authority of law and strengthening constitutional institutions. He also said the government is working to combat corruption and protect public funds while drawing on international expertise and new practices in finance and economics.

On the economic front, the prime minister said Baghdad has developed a roadmap aimed at supporting the private sector and facilitating investment. He said economic diversification based on partnerships is a central element of government policy, alongside efforts to expand industrial and economic development.

Energy remained another major component of the address. Al-Zaidi said his government is pursuing an ambitious program to increase crude oil production while seeking to position Iraq as a major global energy hub.

He also highlighted plans to diversify oil export routes and develop energy lines and corridors. The remarks came as Iraq continues to address vulnerabilities associated with the movement of energy and maritime transportation.

The Development Road Project was presented as a central part of Iraq's economic strategy. Al-Zaidi described the project as a potential gateway for trade, investment, industry, and energy and said Iraq wants neighboring countries and other partners to participate.

On regional affairs, Al-Zaidi said Iraq supports dialogue and diplomacy and wants to help move the region from conflict toward greater integration. He linked regional security to respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and good-neighborly relations.

He also raised the Palestinian issue, describing it as central to discussions about regional stability. On water resources, he reaffirmed Iraq's position on what he described as its legitimate water rights and called for joint management based on cooperation and international law.

The prime minister also addressed organized crime, saying Iraq is continuing cooperation with international partners to counter its threats. He identified young people as a key component of the country's future economy and called for greater international engagement with Iraq.

The UN address followed a series of diplomatic meetings in New York. On September 23, al-Zaidi met US President Donald Trump, with the two discussing bilateral relations, economic and investment cooperation, and regional developments.

Al-Zaidi also held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the General Assembly, where the two discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and efforts to prevent further escalation.

FYI

The 81st UN General Assembly has provided Baghdad with an opportunity to engage directly with international partners on security, economic cooperation, and investment. Al-Zaidi has held meetings with political leaders and business representatives during his New York visit, including representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce, whom he invited to participate in Iraq's investment and energy opportunities.

The Iraqi government has increasingly emphasized a shift toward economic partnerships and investment as the country's international security relationship evolves. Iraqi officials have described the planned September 30 conclusion of the US-led international coalition's military mission as an important sovereignty milestone and a transition toward longer-term economic cooperation.

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