Two years ago, Mohammed Al Sudani was sworn in as Prime Minister of Iraq. Since then, he embodies the stage of stability and strengthening of democracy in the country, following the fall of Baghdad and the expulsion of the terrorist regime DAESH in 2017. He visits Spain to strengthen ties, explore business opportunities, and sign agreements in Defense and Security. He grants an exclusive interview to EL MUNDO.
Q. He arrives in Spain a day after the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
A. It is a very important event; we have always called for an end to this war and hope that this agreement will have lasting validity and include the situation in Gaza, as this could lead to greater stability in a region that has unfortunately experienced events that could escalate into a total war. Since October 7, Iraq has promoted peace and calm in the region.
Q. Are you concerned about the confrontation between Iran and Israel?
A. Yes. We are at the center of the region, and this conflict affects our country. We have made great efforts among neighboring and friendly countries to stop these tensions, but unfortunately, the Netanyahu government has disregarded all international agreements and has continued with its genocide in Gaza and its aggressions against Lebanon.
Q. Spain recognized Palestine and advocates for a two-state solution for peace. Would it help peace if Arab countries recognized Israel?
A. We appreciate Spain's attitude. Recognizing Palestine as a state is a very honest gesture that demonstrates Spain's respect for Human Rights and International Law. Regarding the solution mentioned, we believe that Palestinians are the rightful owners of the rights and lands of Palestine, and they themselves decide on the form of the solution. The Palestinian cause has been alive for over 70 years; it did not start on October 7 of last year.
Q. But do you think countries should recognize Israel?
A. That is up to each country. As Iraq, we have laws that establish non-recognition of Israel as a state. We will not recognize it.
Q. You are visiting Spain for the first time since taking office two years ago. How are the relations with our country?
A. We are in a privileged stage, especially after the visit to Baghdad by Pedro Sánchez [in December 2023] and the numerous ministerial-level exchanges. Also, our high-level official meetings in official forums and our phone communications. We have built a very good relationship with Pedro Sánchez, which reflects on the overall relations between both countries. There is a mutual desire to develop and enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
Q. Spain has extensive experience in fighting terrorism. Have they helped you in your fight against DAESH?
A. Yes, we are indebted to Spain for its active role in our fight against terrorism in Iraq and its participation in the international coalition against the terrorist organization ISIS. This coalition helped Iraq to defeat them. After Iraq achieved victory over the terrorist organization, Spain was very receptive to the need to continue developing the training capabilities of the Iraqi military. We have transitioned from a relationship within the international coalition to a direct security collaboration between our countries. We will sign two Memorandums of Understanding for collaboration in Security and Defense between both countries.
Q. Do you fear that the conflict in the Middle East will bring organized terrorism back to Iraq?
A. Currently, DAESH does not pose a threat to the Iraqi state. We have all of Iraq under control against the activities of this terrorist organization. There are individuals and small groups at large in mountains and deserts, but we are effectively pursuing them. The only potential terrorism threat is from the Syrian border; instability on the border could affect Iraq's stability. Ultimately, the ideology of ISIS will continue to be a danger to the world. The collaboration in the fight against ISIS must be ongoing.
Q. Despite what you say, the mission led by the United States to fight DAESH, in which Spain also participated, ends because you consider it no longer necessary.
A. After the victory [the defeat of DAESH in 2017] and the progress in training the Iraqi military, there is no longer a need for this mission. The current level of readiness of the Iraqi Armed Forces and the political stability in the country have an impact on the overall situation. Therefore, the coalition itself has seen that its presence is no longer necessary because the Iraqi forces are highly prepared. At the same time as ending this coalition, we have initiated bilateral dialogues with different countries.
Q. What do you expect from this new stage of relations with the United States now that Donald Trump is in office?
A. We have congratulated Donald Trump on his victory and maintain continuous contact with his team. We perceive that Trump desires to maintain relations with Iraq. Our relationship with the United States is at an institutional level, within the framework of the Strategic Defense Agreement signed between both countries, and also through our joint collaboration in the fight against terrorism. Additionally, our mutual efforts to maintain security in the region.
Q. According to UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), you have 3 million internally displaced persons in the country due to terrorism.
A. According to our figures, we have 750,000 displaced persons. My government has a program to facilitate their return home after restoring basic services. We are in the process. The government program includes providing public assistance, integrating the displaced into the social security system, facilitating loans for home repairs, and providing new homes. We hope that everything will be completed within a period not exceeding one year.
Q. Returning to your trip to Spain, what commercial opportunities does Iraq offer?
A. Spain has successful experiences in numerous sectors. There are many work opportunities in Iraq for Spain. We are working diligently to ensure Spain has a presence among the major global companies working for Iraq. Recently, a Spanish company was awarded a railway project worth 250 million euros. There are also negotiations for a metro project between two cities.
Q. There is another aspect that unites us, which is football.
A. The coach of the Iraqi national team is Spanish, Jesús Casas, and he is very beloved. The Iraqi people are very excited about Spanish football, especially the matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona, which even cause issues in the country (joking and laughing). There are training agreements for professional footballers with the League and also to develop football in Iraq.