policy
During his visit to Berlin, Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi affirmed Iraq's steadfast commitment to protecting its national airspace and the full capability of its security forces to control Iraqi territories, emphasizing that the decision of war and peace rests solely with the state. This came during a joint press conference held by Al-Zaidi with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the German capital, where he described the relationship between Baghdad and Berlin as exceptional. Al-Zaidi stressed that Iraq views Germany as a reliable partner, expressing his country's desire to benefit from Germany's rich experience in various fields. In this regard, Al-Zaidi welcomed German companies to invest and operate in Iraq, asserting that Germany has never left any negative impact on the country throughout history. The Prime Minister added that Iraq, with its abundant resources, seeks to diversify its international relations, indicating its openness to Europe and the United States. He pointed out that Germany represents a 'meeting point and a solution for global disputes,' affirming that Iraqi policy avoids any aggressive tendencies. On the economic front, Al-Zaidi unveiled Iraq's vision to expand its oil export sources, underscoring the necessity for Iraq not to remain dependent on a single export corridor. He clarified that Iraq intends to export crude oil to Berlin and work towards acquiring advanced German equipment and technology to support its infrastructure and develop its capabilities. Regarding internal affairs, Al-Zaidi affirmed that the Kurdistan Region is an essential and integral part of the Iraqi state, possessing its entitlements and obligations as stipulated by the constitution and prevailing laws. The Prime Minister also touched upon the issue of German prisoners in Iraq, clarifying that it is a purely judicial decision. In another context, he noted that investigations concerning the targeting of Saudi Arabia are still ongoing, with results under analysis. He reiterated the full capability of the security forces to control Iraqi territories and that the government is dedicating its efforts to protecting national airspace, reaffirming that the decisions of war and peace are exclusively in the hands of the state. Concluding his remarks, Al-Zaidi pointed out that the US-Iranian war has impacted the entire world. He also praised Berlin's friendly and respectful treatment of the large Iraqi community in Germany, estimated at around 300,000 people, commending Germany for preserving their dignity.
