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QNA
Kuwait
Qatar has pledged $1 billion in loans and investment for the reconstruction of Iraq after its devastating three-year war with the Islamic State group.
The package was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) in Kuwait City on Wednesday.
In his speech, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed the greetings of the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to the participants in the conference, stressing the interest of the Emir in the proceedings of the conference and Qatar's support for Iraq.
"The meeting today is taking place under circumstances that call for concerted Arab, regional and international efforts to stabilise Iraq, support the government's reconstruction programme and national development plans," he said.
Sheikh Mohammed appreciated the efforts of the Iraqi government to restore stability, achieve reconciliation and establish peace.
The Foreign Minister affirmed the keenness of Qatar to support Iraq and all efforts aimed at guaranteeing its unity and sovereignty, enhancing its security and stability, and building a democratic Iraq in cooperation with all political parties and components of Iraqi society.
He praised the sacrifices and courage of the Iraqi people and their armed forces in the great victory in their war against ISIS, terrorism and extremism.
"These sacrifices led to the liberation of all Iraqi cities and villages from terrorism," he said.
"Reconstructing Iraq in the light of the current challenges it faces is a responsibility that all donor states and regional and international organisations should effectively take part in," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that Qatar's participation in the conference comes as part of its continuous support to Iraq and its people.
The FM affirmed Qatar's commitment to provide developmental aid to affected countries."Qatar takes the responsibility and plays the role of an effective member of global community. This comes as part of its belief that peace, safety and development are interlinked and complementary to one another, and meeting humanitarian and developmental needs is the path towards political, security, social and economic stability," Sheikh Mohammed added.
The foriegn minister said Qatar continues to provide all forms of humanitarian support through relief and development projects in education and health sectors.
The Qatar Red Crescent Society established field hospitals, conducted hundreds of operations for civilians, victims of terrorist organisations and those killed in military operations during the liberation of Mosul, as well as assisted hundreds of displaced families, he said, adding that specialised Qatari institutions also announced plans to support Iraq.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his gratitude to Kuwait, its Emir, government and people for hosting the conference and hospitality. He also thanked the United Nations, European Union and World Bank for its efforts to make the conference a success.
