Barzani Iraq has a great opportunity to become an economic centre in the region

USPA NEWS - The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, considered that Iraq with its "location and wealth" enjoys "a great opportunity to become an active and large economic centre in the region."

At the beginning of his speech at the opening of the 7th Baghdad International Dialogue Conference, on Saturday (February 22, 2025), Nechirvan Barzani said: "I am pleased to participate in this conference, which reflects Iraq's vision of openness and regional integration, and Iraq's commitment to joint action for stability and sustainable development."

He pointed to the passage of Iraq and the region with "a stage of deep strategic change that requires cooperation and partnership, not conflict and more complexities," pointing out that "the development road project comes as an initiative and a historic step to build a more stable and prosperous Iraq on the basis of a diversified economy, regional openness and integration with neighbouring countries."

He added: "We in the Kurdistan Region always believe that the political and economic stability of the whole of Iraq is a common national interest and that real development cannot be achieved without the integration between Baghdad and Erbil as well as between Iraq and its surrounding countries in the region and the world."

The President of the Kurdistan Region affirmed "their full support for this major project," looking forward to it "becoming a model of cooperation and construction between all regions and components of the country from Zakho to FAO as well as between Iraq and its regional and international partners."

He stressed that "Iraq, with its strategic geographical location and richness with its natural and human resources, enjoys a great opportunity that qualifies it to become an active and large economic centre in the region, as well as becoming an important bridge connecting the Gulf to Europe and East to West."

However, he added: "But success in this requires several key foundations, including a solid legal and economic framework that always encourages local and foreign investment to continue, and provides a stimulating and attractive environment for investment."

Nechirvan Barzani said that "the existence of a responsible political dialogue between the political parties and the components of Iraq is based on genuine partnership, understanding and agreement to solve the country's problems, with a national spirit and vision, as well as strengthening constitutional institutions and consolidating the entire federal system, as well as the existence of a solid security strategy to ensure lasting stability, which gives investors confidence and reassurance and enables them to implement major projects in various fields of infrastructure in all sectors as well as important and necessary."

He pointed out that “the diversity of Iraqi society is strength and wealth,” urging Iraq to “overcome all national, religious and sectarian differences,” and make diversity “a great force for all of Iraq in order to strengthen the country's position economically, politically and strategically.”

On the importance of the Development Road project, Nechirvan Barzani stressed that it is "a correct step towards building a brighter future for all Iraqis," explaining that the Kurdistan Region's support for this project "is not only from an economic perspective but from a strategic perspective because in our view it is a step towards promoting the concept of Iraq as an active state in internal and regional security and stability and an influential economic force in the Middle East, as well as in the future it can become a global economic force," he said.

The President of the Kurdistan Region noted that Iraq's past taught everyone that “development and progress can only be achieved in a stable environment,” stressing that the stability of Iraq cannot be separated from the stability of the region.

Accordingly, he stressed that "our dealings and vision of geopolitical changes must be based on balance, moderation, cooperation and common interests," stressing "the importance of continuing the effective diplomatic approach followed by the Iraqi government to strengthen its relations."

Nechirvan Barzani thanked Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for his "efforts and steps in this context."

He continued: He proved that Iraq can be a bridge for dialogue and not an arena for conflict. It is true that there are challenges, but at the same time, Iraq with its human and natural resources is full of opportunities.”

"Our success depends on our ability to manage pluralism and internal diversity, strengthen the spirit of partnership, lay the foundations of good governance and consolidate political and economic stability," he said.

He stated that Iraq needs "permanent plans, serious political will and wise strategic partnership," he described the conference as "an important step."

He hoped that the conference would come up with "fruitful recommendations that would help develop a clear road map for a brighter future for Iraq."

Earlier on Saturday, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, arrived in the capital Baghdad, on an official visit.

According to media information, Nechirvan Barzani is scheduled to participate in the Baghdad International Dialogue Conference and meet Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.