Mr. Chairman
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to speak to you today at the 32nd Session of the GC on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and the Government of Iraq.

As you all know, Iraq used to be an active member of the international community before its demise at the hands of the former dictator’s adventurory policies, that turned our country into the receiving rather than the contributing side for many years.

Agriculture in Iraq, which has started and flourished in ancient times, marking a turning point in human history, has been destroyed by wars and bad policies in addition to unreasonable construction of major dams and water diversion projects and excessive storage of water at the upper reaches of the shared rivers.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite the severe wounds that Iraq is still suffering from, the government is taking firm positive steps towards re-engaging regionally and internationally.

Iraq started paying its dues and contributions to international organisations including FAO, IFAD and WFP, in a time where it is in dire need for financial resources.

Iraq is looking forward for your support to make this move by Iraq a real success. Your support and understanding will enable Iraq to overcome the legacy of the dictatorship, one of which is the pledge by the former regime to provide tens of millions of dollars to IFAD, a pledge that neither the former regime could meet, nor the current government is able to pay in these disturbing times.

Iraq, therefore, is looking to a fresh start with IFAD whereby both IFAD and Iraq can further strengthen their cooperation to the fullest possible extent based on well planned pledges and co-financing of projects.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As Iraq is striving to ensure food security for its own people, it is working hard to be a genuine partner in combating hunger and poverty at the global level.

Iraq is progressing towards democracy and prosperity and in this we need your support to make this move irreversible.

We trust that IFAD can and will play a positive role in developing Iraqi agriculture and Iraq will spare no effort in supporting IFAD.

Thank you very much.