Dr Abdullatif Rashid: Serving the Iraqi People has been the Greatest Honour of My Life

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid addressed the Iraqi people, announcing his decision to withdraw from seeking a second term as President of the Republic.

In his address, President Rashid said, “Today, I speak to you with a clear conscience and deep gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together. After careful reflection, I have decided not to seek a second term as President of the Republic,” stressing that he does not wish his candidacy to contribute to heightened political polarisation or weaken national unity.

The President reviewed key achievements over the past three years, notably restoring Iraq’s standing on the international stage after years of terrorism and isolation and consolidating security and stability to ensure that Iraqis can live in safety. He also expressed pride in these accomplishments, particularly in doing justice to Halabja and granting it its full constitutional rights as a governorate.

President Rashid noted that three years may not be sufficient to resolve challenges accumulated over decades, but emphasised that the foundations laid during this period will help future leaders build a stronger, more unified and stable Iraq.

The full text of the President’s address follows:

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

My dear Iraqi people,
Peace be upon you,

Today, I speak to you with a clear conscience and deep gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together. After careful reflection, I have decided not to seek a second term as President of the Republic.

It has been a great honour to serve the Iraqi people over the past three years. Together, we have restored our country’s standing in the world after many years of terrorism and isolation.

During my tenure, I had the honor of representing Iraq abroad with a clear mission: to rebuild trust, open doors, and return our country to the international stage. At the United Nations and in capitals around the world, I conveyed the same message: Iraq today stands as a pillar of security, stability and culture, and as a partner ready for business, investment and global engagement.

We hosted the Arab League Summit for the first time since the defeat of Daesh [ISIS], demonstrating to the world that Iraq is reclaiming its rightful place as an active and influential state in the region. We also played constructive roles in regional mediation, often behind the scenes, as peace is built not through noise, but through patience and diplomacy.

We worked to restore security and stability so that our people may live in safety. We take pride in the achievements realised, particularly in restoring Halabja’s rights and status as a governorate.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my tenure was visiting most of Iraq’s governorates, listening to officials and citizens alike, and sharing moments with children whose hope and optimism continue to inspire me.

Despite our efforts, we were not able to fully overcome political stagnation. Three years are not enough to resolve challenges that have accumulated over decades. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the foundations we have laid will help future leaders build a stronger and more unified Iraq.

Even amid the wars and conflicts across our region, my priority has been to protect Iraq from being drawn into conflict and to serve the interests of all our people. I remain committed to serving my country beyond office and to supporting every effort that safeguards unity, stability and our democratic future.

Many of us spent years in opposition and in exile, far from our homeland, guided by the belief that our people deserve a genuine democracy, one in which power is earned through the ballot box, not imposed by force. This democracy is precious and must be protected.

I do not wish my candidacy to contribute to further polarisation or weaken national unity. For this reason, I have chosen to withdraw my nomination.

Serving the Iraqi people during this period has been the greatest honour of my life. I now look forward to devoting my time to other pursuits.

May God protect Iraq and its noble people.



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