Iraqi official extols upcoming Kuwait-hosted confab on Iraq
Amir’s support for reconstruction praised
BAGHDAD, Jan 21, (KUNA): Leader of the National Wisdom Movement Ammar Al-Hakim said the international donor conference to rebuild Iraq, to be hosted by Kuwait next February adds to Kuwait’s brilliant image and would further bolster bilateral ties between Kuwait and Iraq.
He said during a meeting with a Kuwaiti media delegation visiting the capital Baghdad late Saturday that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah had always been supporting Iraq to overcome different crises.
He also mentioned Kuwait’s role in liberating his country from Saddam Hussein’s regime, by opening its land and air space to allow movement of armed forces.
On the other hand, he said that the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections will create stability and boost democracy in the country.
This year’s elections are similar to that of 2005, where Iraq moved from dictatorship to democracy, he said during a meeting with Kuwaiti media delegation visiting the capital Baghdad late Saturday.
Iraq has seen many prominent achievements recently, those include defeating the so-called Islamic State (IS) who was occupying 40 percent of Iraqi lands, overcoming religious extremism which was destroying stability and security and reaching a level of political unity, he noted.
He added that the government aims to build a country able to provide citizens with complete services as well as job opportunities and residence, while developing infrastructure and fighting corruption.
Iraq is currently producing up to five million barrels per day, while the country will benefit from the production of natural gas by 100 percent end of 2018.
Meanwhile, he noted that the wisdom party pays attention to fully represent women and youth, especially college graduates as these two categories form the majority of Iraqi society. Responding to a question on the possibility of postponing the elections set for May 12, Al-Hakim said he doesn’t believe there is any reason to delay the process.
Last Thursday, the Iraqi parliament failed to vote on the set date for the elections due to absence by some MPs. The parliament will hold another voting session next Monday to approve the date of May’s elections.
The Kuwaiti delegation includes Editor-in-Chief of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Saad Al-Ali, Secretary General of Kuwait Journalists Association Adnan Al-Rashed and senior officials in the Ministry of Information and Kuwaiti newspapers.
The international donor conference to rebuild Iraq will be held from 12 to 14 February, chaired by the European Union (EU), Iraq, Kuwait, the UN and the World Bank.
Meanwhile, Dean of Iraqi journalists Muwayyed Al-Lami praised HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s support for reconstruction of Iraq.
“The humanity of HH the Amir is taking care of Iraq and its people, just like he does to his people and country,” Al-Lami said during a meeting with a visiting delegation from Kuwait official and private media, Saturday night.
He said the delegation’s visit was an evidence of Kuwait’s political, economic and security support of Iraqi for more than 15 years.
Kuwait wants to continue this backing by hosting a conference to rebuild Iraq on Feb 12-14, said AlLami.
He said the delegation would meet senior state officials and conduct interviews to know the real needs of Iraq.
The Kuwaiti delegation would be meeting government officials and political parties’ leaders to discuss the reconstruction conference.
Faisal Al-Mutlaqqem, Kuwait Information Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for External Media, called for further development of Ambassador of Guyana Dr Shamir Ally and Dr Maryann Beebe-Ally recently celebrated the 7th anniversary of the opening the Guyana (South America) – the land of forests, fresh waters and savory food — Embassy in
the State of Kuwait. Present on the occasion were invited dignitaries and embassy staff.
relations at all levels with Iraq.
Kuwait, he added, was keen on boosting relations with the Arab media institutions, including the ones in Iraq.
He said Kuwait was interested in a stable Iraq.
The Kuwaiti delegation also includes KUNA’s Deputy Director General and Chief Editor Saad AlAli, Secretary General of Kuwait Journalists Association Adnan AlRashed, Chief Editor of Al-Nahar newspaper Emad Bu Khamseen,
Chief Editor of Kuwait Times Abdulrahman Al-Ulayyan, Hassan Al-Sayegh from the Diwan of His Highness the Prime Minister, and journalists from Al-Jarida, Al-Qabas, Al-Shahed and Al-Rai newspapers, as well as KUNA.