Sayyid Al-Hakeem: we need international assistance to align with Iraq's economy, climate, drugs, banking system challenges
Sayyid Ammar Al-Hakeem, Head of Al-Hikma National Movement, met with the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and leader of the Independent Strategic Review Team in Iraq, Volker Perthes, and his accompanying delegation. His Eminence detailed Iraq's challenging circumstances over the past two decades, emphasizing the significant shift from a dictatorial regime to a democratic system. H.E. commended the UNAMI mission for symbolizing international support for Iraq's democratic journey and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the mission.
H.E. affirmed Iraq's ongoing progress, underscoring the stark differences between Iraq in 2023 and 2003. H.E. highlighted political developments, such as forming the State Administration Coalition as the governing coalition and a robust government supporter. Despite differences in approaches and orientations, H.E. highlighted the commonalities among political forces. H.E. also emphasized Iraq's desire to be open to all and to maintain balanced relationships based on its interests. H.E. also reiterated Iraq's aspiration for openness and balanced relationships based on its interests.
H.E. clarified that Iraq now stands self-reliant in resolving its issues, possessing the capability to determine the nature and extent of international assistance needed. H.E. outlined the country's primary focuses on economic development, encompassing agriculture, industry, tourism, investment, technology, and the banking sector. H.E. enumerated key challenges facing Iraq, including economic concerns, climate change, corruption combat, administrative deficiencies, drug control, addressing terrorism's repercussions, community rehabilitation, countering rural-to-urban migration, and upholding human rights principles. H.E. stressed the importance of UN collaboration to address these challenges in alignment with Iraq's defined priorities. Furthermore, H.E. expressed Iraq's readiness to assume a humanitarian role for the United Nations and to enhance the involvement of UN agencies.
