In an exclusive interview with Sky News Arabia during the Davos Economic Forum, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid highlighted Iraq’s response to major regional changes, internal challenges, and its strategies to attract global investment.

Navigating Regional Transformations

President Rashid outlined Iraq’s approach to managing significant geopolitical shifts, including the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

“Our hope and goal is that changes in the region will be positive for the benefit of its people,” Rashid stated, expressing optimism about U.S. policies fostering peace and de-escalating regional tensions. He emphasized Iraq’s aspirations for these developments to bring stability to the Middle East.

Security on the Syrian Border

Addressing security concerns, Rashid highlighted Iraq’s proactive measures to mitigate threats along the Iraqi-Syrian border, especially in light of recent upheavals in Syria.

“We have taken serious security measures to ensure border stability,” he affirmed, stressing Iraq’s efforts to counteract terrorist groups exploiting the region’s instability.

Additionally, the President revealed Iraq’s role in mediating between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Syria’s new administration. These efforts underscore Iraq’s commitment to promoting regional stability while safeguarding its sovereignty.

Strengthening Sovereignty and Disarming Armed Factions

On domestic matters, President Rashid reaffirmed Iraq’s independence from foreign influence and detailed efforts to stabilize internal security.

He noted progress in disarming most armed factions, many of which have been integrated into the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) under parliamentary law. “Their military activities have ceased,” Rashid said, describing this as a significant step toward enhancing national stability.

Advancing Baghdad-Erbil Relations

President Rashid acknowledged advancements in relations between Baghdad and Erbil while addressing ongoing challenges, particularly disputes over oil management.

He stressed the urgency of passing an oil and gas law to resolve these issues and called for collaboration between Iraq’s central and regional governments to ensure fair resource management.

Economic Growth and Global Investment

Turning to economic matters, Rashid expressed optimism about Iraq’s potential as a regional economic hub. He highlighted increasing interest from global investors, including companies from China, the U.S., Britain, and Arab countries.

“Our goal is to develop the national economy across all sectors,” he stated, pointing to improved security and infrastructure as key drivers of foreign investment. Rashid emphasized Iraq’s focus on enhancing services and fostering growth to attract international partnerships.

Supporting Syrian Democratic Aspirations

President Rashid reaffirmed Iraq’s support for the Syrian people’s democratic aspirations, advocating for a system of governance that ensures equal participation for all societal components.

He underscored Iraq’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Syria, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences to address future challenges.

A Vision for Iraq’s Future Role

The interview showcased Iraq’s balanced approach to regional and internal issues, with a focus on sovereignty, stability, and inclusive growth.

As Iraq navigates complex regional dynamics, President Rashid positioned the country as a proactive player in resolving conflicts, promoting regional cooperation, and building a resilient economy.