November 18, 2023
The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, confirmed that Iraq has come a long way in consolidating security and political stability.
A statement from the Media Office of the President of the Republic, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, and First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed met with His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican.
At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the Republic expressed his “thanks to His Holiness the Pope for the visit to Iraq,” stressing that “Iraqis remember with love and pride this visit, which embodied the concepts of peaceful coexistence and the depth of ties between religions inside and outside Iraq.”
The President of the Republic pointed out that “our region needs to consolidate the foundations of brotherhood and tolerant human ties,” stressing “the importance of concerted efforts to strengthen the principles of dialogue, cooperation, and joint work among peoples, and that the invitations, prayers, and public messages issued by the Vatican have a moral impact in relying on calm, dialogue, and consolidating understanding.”
He added, "Iraq has come a long way in establishing security and political stability, and our priorities today are shifting to providing services, improving the standard of living of citizens, rehabilitating the infrastructure, and developing the economy in order to achieve comprehensive development."
He stressed that "Iraq is keen to strengthen democracy, pluralism, and respect for rights and freedoms," noting that "the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government is good, and there is a will on both sides to resolve the outstanding issues in accordance with the constitution and the law."
The President of the Republic stressed that “Christians are an essential component in building the country, its progress, and its prosperity, and there is the government’s keenness on the return of the displaced Christians, Yazidis, and other components to their areas and resolving this humanitarian issue by providing them with the requirements of a decent life, preserving the Christian presence, and protecting diversity,” indicating that “The doors of the Presidency of the Republic are open to Christians to consider their demands and issues in a way that secures their livelihood and stability.”
He pointed out that "Iraq has good relations with neighboring countries and the world as they depend on mutual respect and common interests. His Excellency also spoke about the situation in Palestine and Gaza," stressing that "Iraq strongly condemns the ongoing violations and aggression against the Palestinians, and calls on the international community to make more efforts."
To stop the aggression, protect civilians, and secure the arrival of hmanitarian aid.”
To stop the aggression, protect civilians, and secure the arrival of hmanitarian aid.”
For his part, His Holiness the Pope expressed his “welcome to the visit of the President of the Republic,” stressing “the Vatican City’s support for Iraq’s efforts to strengthen ties between religions and components,” and pointed to “the role of the Christian component in promoting harmony and solidarity, their sacrifices for a prosperous and developed Iraq, and their adherence to national identity.”
The statement continued, "His Holiness the Pope focused on the importance of enhancing opportunities for peace in the world, since wars mean failure."
The statement noted that souvenirs were exchanged between His Excellency the President and His Holiness the Pope, and that the meeting witnessed the presence of Member of Parliament Dylan Abdul Ghafour, the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the Vatican, Rahman Al-Amiri, and a number of advisors and officials.