Al-Sudani: We will visit Germany next week to discuss files including energy and climate change

Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani confirmed that he will visit Germany on Wednesday of next week, revealing the most important goals and files of the visit, and while stressing the government's lack of support for the forcible return of Iraqi refugees, he indicated that the security situation in Iraq is stable and that ISIS gangs have no ability to seize the land or occupy cities. Pointing out that Iraq will not be part of the policy of axes and the government has supported the convergence of views in the region to remove tensions, pointing to the need to adopt calm and dialogue to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.
Al-Sudani said during an interview with the German Bild magazine: "We will visit Germany on Wednesday next week at the invitation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the context of the historical relations between Iraq and Germany, and we will be keen, through this visit, to enhance prospects for cooperation and economic partnership as well as other files related to human development Addressing climate change and continuing security cooperation as well as other humanitarian issues.
Al-Sudani added, "We will also discuss more than one initiative and idea during the visit, which were discussed by the Iraqi government and its advisors with the German embassy in Baghdad. It is related to gas investment and strengthening the presence of German investment companies in Iraq, especially since Siemens works in the electricity sector, and these issues will be given priority during our visit to Germany and what the government program included.

He continued, speaking about cooperation with Berlin in the energy file, that "by virtue of Iraq's capabilities and its continuous plans to increase oil production and gas investment, it is possible to meet Germany's energy needs in light of the conditions that the global market suffers from and the high level of demand that led to an increase in prices, and Iraq is able to meet the need." Germany and the global market.

On the relationship between Iraq and Iran, Al-Sudani stressed that "the relationship is historical and borders extending for more than 1,200 kilometers, and there are cultural, religious and social commonalities, and Iran has supported the political process since the change in 2003 and helped Iraq in its war on ISIS terrorist gangs and the relationship is positive and within the framework of cooperation and support management away from interference." in internal affairs.

Regarding Iraq's regional relations and the government's position on the policy of axes between the Prime Minister, that "Iraq will not be a party to the policy of axes in the region and the world and adopts the principle of balanced relations with neighboring countries, and we also propose ideas to achieve economic partnerships so that Iraq is a meeting point for the countries of the region in accordance with the common interests of all." Iraq has also adopted initiatives to bring points of view closer between Iran and the Arab countries, and in my opinion, it is in Iraq's interest to reduce tensions and bring points of view closer, because this would reflect positively on its security and the security of the region.

Regarding the position on the immigration of Iraqis to Germany, the Prime Minister affirmed, "The Iraqi government does not prevent any citizen from traveling and emigrating, and it is certainly keen to provide appropriate conditions for all citizens, whether by achieving security and stability or providing job opportunities for survival, and there is an increase in immigration rates in various countries in a manner In general, because of the economic conditions and wars, and with regard to the Iraqis in Germany in particular, the Iraqi community represents the second largest Arab community, and any citizen there has the right to decide to return voluntarily. We, on our part, as a government, are committed to providing all facilities to achieve this return. We all hope that friends in Germany will understand the circumstances of each citizen according to International laws and standards relating to the rights of refugees.

And he continued, "Iraq is keen to provide appropriate conditions for the return of any Iraqi citizen in Germany or in any country, and this is one of the files that we will discuss during our visit to Berlin and discuss according to the mechanisms that guarantee the rights of citizens and what they are convinced of and see that it is compatible with their interest, security and stability."

On the issue of security in Iraq, Al-Sudani stressed that "the manifestations of security and stability exist today in Iraq thanks to the security forces and the support of the international community for Iraq, including Germany, which enabled us to liberate all Iraqi lands and defeat terrorism, and the cells or pockets of ISIS are dealt with by the security forces continuously, but We can say that security and stability are achieved in Iraq and we always strive for more. Stability imposes the rule of law and provides decent living conditions and social justice for all citizens without discrimination or exception.

In response to a question related to the danger of ISIS and the possibility of its return, the Prime Minister affirmed, "ISIS gangs are present in Syria and there are cells present in Iraq, but they cannot seize land or occupy a city or region, and this thought needs treatment for a long period of time, so our efforts are continuing to follow up on these cells." And taking legal measures against her, as well as stabilizing the situation in Syria, will end the presence of ISIS terrorist gangs.”

Regarding the extent to which this encourages the return of Iraqi immigrants to their country, the Prime Minister indicated that "those who refuse to return have their own reasons, and the government does not force citizens to return and does not support their forcible return. The return of countries to refugees corresponds to international standards and agreements that must be dealt with in accordance with the correct contexts and what guarantees the interests of all parties." ".

Al-Sudani stressed that he would not ask during his meeting with the German chancellor to return the Iraqi refugees because the Iraqi government is not the one who decides that.

The Prime Minister added, "The Iraqi government has put in its ministerial program the promotion and preservation of security and stability, and has also put in place economic plans that address unemployment, provide job opportunities and improve services, and these plans and programs will certainly provide a state of reassurance to citizens that prevents them from thinking of taking refuge in any country, and a decision Asylum is not easy for a citizen to take by moving away from his country in light of the changing and difficult circumstances.

Regarding the human rights file in Iraq and a number of countries in the world, Al-Sudani said: “Iraq suffered the most from gross violations of human rights during the period of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorial regime. Executions, draining the marshes and other crimes, and therefore Iraq is the country that most rejects any violation of human rights in any country in the world.

He stressed, "Iraq adopts the democratic approach and encourages all countries in the region and the world to implement it. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of any country. On the other hand, we do not allow others to interfere in our affairs. We advise friends and brothers to respect human rights and civil, political and cultural freedoms, as stipulated in international laws and agreements, and this is the best way." for good governance, stability and justice.

Regarding the position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, Al-Sudani said: “The effects of the war did not stop at the borders of the two countries, not even Europe, but rather the whole world. From wars and the effects of the economic blockade that affects people and does not affect regimes, so our position has always supported dialogue and calm, and this is what we support in our position on this war.