Advisor: The government has succeeded in harnessing the economy for international rapprochement.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government program focused on using economic power as a diplomatic tool to achieve Iraq’s national interests. It relies on a strategy of employing economic tools such as oil, investment, contracts, aid, trade, and commercial agreements to strengthen the country’s position and political standing regionally and internationally.
Employing the economy
In an interview with Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister’s Financial Advisor, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, explained that the government’s program approved by the House of Representatives represents a turning point in the development of what is known as productive economic diplomacy. He noted that the country has witnessed a clear shift toward utilizing the economy as a tool for international political influence and rapprochement, and building partnerships based on mutual benefit and interest.
Economic partners
Saleh added that Iraq has adopted the principle of diversifying its economic partners at the regional and international levels, in addition to opening up to Europe, particularly Italy, Germany, and France. This includes encouraging major international companies to operate in Iraq and launching major strategic projects, in light of expectations regarding the future of the development road strategy, such as the Faw Port, railway links, associated gas, and solar energy, within a vision that is attractive to investors.
Italy: A successful model
Saleh continued, noting that the government has worked to link the economy to national sovereignty, meaning enhancing self-reliance, but with intelligent negotiation, particularly with major powers. He explained that Italy is a successful model of economic diplomacy, having used the oil, infrastructure, security, and culture issues to build a balanced partnership that serves Iraqi sovereignty and the national interest, which has contributed to improving Iraq’s international standing.
shared vision
The government advisor stressed that Italy is interested in partnering with Iraq in the oil, gas, and clean energy sectors, and working to ensure the stability of the flow of Iraqi oil to Europe, in light of global supply tensions, especially after the Ukrainian war, without…
We must not overlook Italy’s security and training cooperation within the NATO mission, nor must we overlook the productive power of Iraqi diplomacy in cultural and educational support, as it is noted that there is Italian support for Iraqi antiquities and the restoration of heritage sites, within the framework of diplomacy.
Cultural.
foreign investments
For her part, Dr. Ikram Abdul Aziz, an economic affairs expert, stated that the importance of productive Iraqi economic diplomacy stems from organizing promotional events to attract foreign investment to Iraq, diversifying the economy by reducing dependence on oil, diversifying sources of income, and strengthening non-oil sectors. Abdul Aziz added, in an interview with Al-Sabah, that the economic policy has contributed to enhancing job opportunities by attracting investments, developing economic projects, and improving the standard of living, noting that Iraqi economic diplomacy works to strengthen positive relations with other countries and achieve economic development.
Alsabaah.iq