policy
Iraq celebrates pivotal historical milestones that reflect the depth of its ancient civilization and long journey toward independence and state-building, as the National Day represents an occasion to commemorate independence and the establishment of the modern state as an active member in international organizations. In this context, Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi emphasized that the government is proceeding on the path of comprehensive reform and making national sovereignty the basis for consolidating the country's stability and protecting its supreme interests above any other consideration, stressing that Iraq, through the unity of its people, is capable of overcoming current challenges and moving from the phase of confronting ongoing crises to the space of building a sustainable future that accommodates all citizens without exclusion. Al-Zaidi reviewed in a speech addressed to the people on the occasion of the National Day the complex historical path the country has gone through for decades, and the challenges and lost developmental opportunities it witnessed due to political instability and repeated returns to the starting point, pointing out that the democratic experience after 2003 and the sacrifices of Iraqis resulted in the adoption of a permanent constitution that enshrines the principle of peaceful transition of power. The Prime Minister pointed out the step of completing full national sovereignty with the end of the military mission of the international coalition, indicating that the state today fully owns its sovereign decision, protects its land and sky, and that weapons are exclusively subject to the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, while adopting a balanced foreign policy that takes into account the supreme national interest and builds bridges of cooperation on the basis of mutual interests and respect with the countries of the world. On the economic and developmental level, Al-Zaidi touched upon the intertwined regional and international conditions, affirming the government's earnest endeavor to confront them by diversifying the economy, developing influential partnerships, empowering the private sector to be a true partner in development and job creation, as well as transitioning towards program and performance budgeting to link government spending with actual results. He added that efforts are ongoing to implement pioneering strategic projects including the initiative to distribute residential land plots, establishing the generations fund to secure the future, creating economic cities, and implementing the development road project to make Iraq a vital corridor for trade and energy, a regional center for investment, and a bridge connecting East and West. The Prime Minister pledged to continue the war against corruption, protect public funds, and enhance preventive oversight mechanisms, explaining that he assumed responsibility under extremely complex circumstances that required protecting security, sovereignty, and the national decision from the repercussions of regional conflicts. Al-Zaidi concluded his speech by emphasizing that preserving national and social unity remains the greatest goal, renewing the pledge that Iraq's supreme interest will remain the permanent compass, and that the citizen is the main focus of attention, leading to the building of a strong and fair state that relies on the arms of its people and their bright history.
