Iraq wants to unite energy and rail networks between Islamic countries

O iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi announced today an initiative to link energy and rail networks between Islamic countries.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 52nd meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (ICO), held in Baghdad.

“Iraq presents an initiative to fully link energy, rail, transport and digital communications networks, develop digital payment systems and commercial platforms, and promote integration between industrial areas,” Al Zaidi said in a speech released by the Prime Minister’s office, quoted by the Efe agency.

In addition, he argued that, with this initiative, they aspire to “establish security, stability and prosperity, while strengthening the collective capacity to face crises and challenges” at a time of strong tensions affecting various ICO countries.

Baghdad is hosting the ministerial meeting for the first time since 1981, where 57 representatives from the ICO Member States met at a summit marked by regional tensions.

During his speech, Al Zaidi said that the “Islamic world faces growing challenges that test its ability to coexist and its ability to keep pace with economic, cultural and media change”.

He made a special reference to the crises facing these countries, “both regional and international,” demanding “more joint action to protect the interests of their peoples.”.

“The Organization for Islamic Cooperation is a fundamental pillar for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and integration among our peoples; peoples united by Islam as faith, culture and civilization,” he said.

The Iraqi Prime Minister has ensured that Iraq stands for “free trade, the protection of trade routes and the guarantee of fluid transit through international corridors”, in the context of the blockade of the Ormuz Strait, where most Iraqi oil exports pass.

He also insisted on his position on the Palestinian cause, placing it at the heart of the conflict in the region, and called for the guarantee of ‘justice for the Palestinian people’.

This summit is taking place at a time of high regional tension affecting many of the ICO member countries, where the Israeli war in Gaza remains central, alongside the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has had serious repercussions in the Middle East region.

This is added to the armed conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis rebels face government forces, supported by the coalition led by Saudi Arabia, which is being attacked daily by the Yemeni insurgents.