Al-Zaidi: Iraq Seeks to Become Regional Economic Power and Bridge for Dialogue

Iraq 08:17 PM - 2026-09-25

Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi has affirmed that Iraq seeks to strengthen its influence as an active economic power in the region and serve as a bridge for dialogue and cooperation among its peoples.

Delivering Iraq’s address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, 25 September 2026, Al-Zaidi said his government was determined to ensure that the state remains the sole decision-maker on matters of peace and war, while stressing that weapons and the use of force must remain under the authority of constitutional institutions.

He also described the Development Road Project as a comprehensive Iraqi vision for regional integration, unity and stability, linking Iraq’s Grand Faw Port with Türkiye and Europe.

“From this platform of the United Nations, we say to the world: invest with Iraq,” Al-Zaidi said, highlighting the country’s resources, strategic geographical position and market, as well as its determination to build a modern and diversified economy.

The Prime Minister said Iraq had endured decades of wars, terrorism, blockades and destruction, but was now looking towards a future based on stability, development and international partnership.

“Our vision at this stage stems from our national resolve to restore the authority of the law, strengthen state institutions, and deepen citizens’ trust in them,” he said.

Al-Zaidi stressed that Iraq was moving towards strengthening state institutions, protecting sovereignty and creating an environment conducive to development and investment. He also pointed to the conclusion of the International Coalition’s mission in Iraq, saying the country was entering a new phase in its relations with strategic partners, shifting from military cooperation towards economic and developmental cooperation.

He said Iraq would continue strengthening its security and military capabilities to protect its territory, people and sovereignty, while calling for secure borders, the closure of security gaps and international cooperation to prevent conditions conducive to extremism.

Economic reform and investment

Al-Zaidi said his government was pursuing institutional reforms, including measures to combat corruption, safeguard public funds, improve government performance and modernise public services.

He said Iraq aimed to build a strong, diversified economy capable of adapting to global technological and digital developments, while creating a secure environment for domestic and international investment.

The Prime Minister highlighted opportunities across the energy, industrial, agricultural, transport and technology sectors, as well as Iraq’s geographical position as a link between regional and global markets.

He said the government was working to reduce dependence on the rentier economy, promote open-market policies, expand production and exports, and invest in infrastructure and services.

Al-Zaidi also outlined plans to support the private sector through legal, tax and customs reforms and to build stronger partnerships with global markets.

Iraq seeks greater role in global energy sector

Turning to energy, Al-Zaidi said Iraq was pursuing an ambitious programme to increase crude oil production in line with its proven reserves, develop gas fields, expand refining capacity and increase the production of petroleum derivatives and petrochemicals.

He said Iraq aspired to become a global energy hub and contribute to regional and international energy security.

At the same time, he expressed concern over disruptions affecting freedom of transport and maritime navigation, which he said had contributed to rising global energy prices.

To reduce such risks, Iraq is working to diversify its oil export routes and develop energy pipelines and corridors connecting Iraq with Türkiye, Jordan and Syria and onward to international markets.

Development Road at the centre of regional integration

Al-Zaidi described economic diversification and genuine international partnerships as central to Iraq’s economic policy.

He said the Development Road Project represented Iraq’s “comprehensive vision for regional integration, unity and stability”, serving as a strategic corridor for trade, investment, industry and energy.

The project is intended to connect the Grand Faw Port in southern Iraq with Türkiye and, ultimately, European markets. Iraq also wants the project to be open to partnerships with neighbouring countries and other international partners.

“When nations of the region are linked by ports, railways, energy lines, trade and investments, they develop a far greater stake in safeguarding stability,” Al-Zaidi said.

Iraq has increasingly presented the Development Road as a key component of its plans to strengthen its role as an economic corridor linking Asia and Europe. 

Call for diplomacy and regional stability

Al-Zaidi said Iraq believed that sustainable peace could not be achieved through war, but through cooperation and shared economic interests.

He reiterated Iraq’s support for sovereignty, non-interference, good-neighbourly relations and dialogue as the means of resolving disputes.

“Iraq’s vision centres on helping transition the region from conflict to integration, from competition to cooperation, and from the depletion of resources to their investment in development,” he said.

He also reaffirmed Iraq’s support for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional crises and facilitate trade through Iraqi territory, providing alternative routes for international commerce.

Palestinian cause remains central

Addressing the Palestinian issue, Al-Zaidi said the Palestinian cause remained central to any discussion of stability in the Middle East.

He said lasting regional security required a just settlement guaranteeing the Palestinian people’s right to their land, self-determination and an independent sovereign state.

He also stressed the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid and protecting civilians.

Climate change, water and organised crime

The Prime Minister said Iraq’s security concerns extended beyond armed conflict to include climate change, desertification and water scarcity, which directly affect the country’s food security.

He reaffirmed Iraq’s position on its water rights and called for the joint management of water resources based on cooperation and international law.

Al-Zaidi also highlighted Iraq’s continued efforts to combat organised crime and cross-border drug trafficking, calling for greater information-sharing and international coordination.

Youth and human rights

Al-Zaidi said Iraqi citizens remained at the centre of the government’s efforts, with the country’s large youth population viewed as a key foundation for its future economy.

He said the government was focusing on education, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and the digital economy, alongside its constitutional commitment to human rights and freedoms, women’s participation, children’s protection and the preservation of Iraq’s national, religious and cultural diversity.

Concluding his address, Al-Zaidi called on the international community to deepen its engagement with Iraq, describing the country as a partner capable of contributing to regional security, stability and development.

“Iraq has never been on the margins; it is the heart of history, the pulse of the present, and worthy of partnership towards the future,” he said.

He also renewed Iraq’s support for the United Nations and expressed appreciation for its work in Iraq through the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).


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