Key facts
- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi called for international economic investment in Iraq.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urged Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory.
- Salam stated Lebanon cannot build a unified, sovereign nation without Israeli withdrawal.
- Zaidi aims to reposition Iraq as a stable state for foreign direct investment.
- Iraq seeks to expand private-sector activity and investment across energy, industry, agriculture, transport, and technology.
- Lebanon faces a humanitarian crisis due to war, with over one million displaced.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam addressed the UN General Assembly on Friday, presenting contrasting priorities shaped by their nations' current circumstances. Zaidi, a relatively new leader, focused on attracting international economic investment to Iraq, aiming to diversify its economy beyond oil and reduce reliance on a rentier model. He highlighted Iraq's resources, location, and will to build a new economy, emphasizing a shift from military cooperation to economic and development partnerships.
In contrast, Salam, a former judge and diplomat, addressed the severe impact of the ongoing conflict and Israeli occupation on Lebanon. He called for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory to internationally recognized borders, the release of detainees, and reconstruction aid. Salam emphasized that Lebanon's future cannot be decided in its absence and that its security should not be a price for external settlements. He also highlighted the humanitarian crisis, with over a million Lebanese displaced, and called for the international community to uphold Lebanon's sovereignty.
Zaidi's remarks echoed his previous calls for investment, emphasizing Iraq's potential as a global energy production hub and its efforts to develop gas fields and expand refining capacities. He also touted the developing energy corridor linking Iraq with Turkey, Jordan, and Syria as a vital gateway to Europe. He expressed concern for the maritime navigation crisis without explicitly naming the US-Israeli war on Iran, advocating for regional integration and cooperation.
Salam reiterated Lebanon's commitment to reforms and its right to ask the international community for support in ensuring respect for its sovereignty. He stressed the need for the government to extend its authority over its territory with weapons held by the state alone, referencing Hezbollah's military power. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon since the Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.