Al-Zaidi Launches Regional Linkage Initiative Urging Trade Freedom and Seamless Transit Corridors

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi stressed on Saturday the necessity of guaranteeing international trade freedom and securing transport flow across global transit corridors, while unveiling a major Iraqi initiative aimed at comprehensive regional connectivity. Delivering his opening address at the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Baghdad, Al-Zaidi welcomed delegations to the historic city of learning and thought. He congratulated the OIC Secretary-General on assuming his responsibilities, wishing him success in steering the organization’s initiatives toward serving the vital interests of the Islamic world. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Islamic community encounters mounting challenges testing its capacity for peaceful coexistence and adaptation to swift economic, cultural, and informational shifts. He emphasized that prevailing regional and international crises necessitate amplified collaborative action to defend collective interests and ensure a prosperous future for upcoming generations. Al-Zaidi identified the OIC as a fundamental pillar for deepening brotherhood and integration across nations united by faith and shared civilization. Reaffirming Iraq's steadfast stance on Palestine as the core regional issue, he stated that securing legitimate Palestinian rights remains the cornerstone of comprehensive regional security and enduring stability. Reflecting on the heavy economic consequences of ongoing regional turmoil endured by Iraq, Al-Zaidi underlined that embracing diversity and mutual respect are essential to resolving disputes and unifying Islamic ranks. He outlined Iraq's initiative for multi-sectoral integration, encompassing energy grids, railway links, transit infrastructure, digital communications, electronic payment systems, commercial platforms, and industrial zone synergies to bolster collective crisis resilience and prosperity. Furthermore, Al-Zaidi urged decisive international solidarity against hatred and oppression, stressing that the Iraqi people will spare no effort in promoting human values and moderation. He renewed Iraq's commitment to the OIC’s developmental goals and collective security objectives. Concluding his speech, Al-Zaidi affirmed that Baghdad will forever remain a crossroads of cultures and an enduring beacon of peaceful coexistence. He expressed appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its diplomatic endeavors to defuse regional tensions, urging member states to intensify efforts toward achieving lasting stability and peace.