Barak Highlights Iraq's Path to Sovereignty, Investment, and Strengthened Partnership with the US
The special envoy of the US President to Iraq, Tom Barak, stated on Friday that Iraq, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaydi, is moving towards choices of sovereignty, investment, and strengthening partnership. He noted that the United States seeks to deepen economic and trade relations with Baghdad. Barak, speaking after meeting with Al-Zaydi in Baghdad, likened the Middle East to a Rubik's Cube where all sides are interconnected, and moving one side affects the others, making it difficult for any external country or power to resolve the region's complexities alone. He added that addressing these challenges requires regional countries to take initiative themselves through patience and solidarity, affirming that Iraq is heading in this direction by choosing sovereignty over dependency, investment over stagnation, and partnership over agency. Barak emphasized that the United States is proud to support Iraq by developing economic and trade relations, opening opportunities for American companies and Iraqi talents, and working towards building prosperity that serves mutual interests. He also highlighted that discussions covered the issue of easing regional tensions and containing crises before escalation, focusing on diplomacy instead of escalation, stressing that the primary responsibility for the security and future of the region lies with its countries and neighbors. He underscored that the US is a partner in the region's transformations, not a substitute for the role of its countries, affirming that having a sovereign and prosperous Iraq within a region whose countries bear responsibility for its stability benefits Iraqis, their neighbors, and the United States alike.
