Baghdad – IA
Today, Monday, Chairman of the Parliamentary Agriculture, Water and Marshlands Committee, Faleh Al-Khazali, stressed the importance of activating cooperation mechanisms between Iraq and Azerbaijan in the field of resisting climate change.
A statement from his media office – received by the (INA) – stated that “Al-Khazali met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the headquarters of the United Nations Climate Conference COP 29 in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.”
The statement added, “The meeting was attended by the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, the Minister of Health, Saleh Al-Hasnawi, and the head of the presidential staff, Kamel Al-Dulaimi, during which the nature of the close relations between Iraq and Azerbaijan was discussed at various levels, and the topics that will be discussed during the United Nations conference were also discussed.” For climate COP 29″.
Al-Khazali pointed out – according to the statement – “the importance of activating bilateral and international cooperation and coordination mechanisms in the field of resisting climate changes facing the world and reducing their danger.”
The statement continued, “The meeting dealt with a number of regional and global issues, as the two sides stressed the need to intensify international efforts to confront the current challenges and work to end them in a way that consolidates the foundations of international peace and security.”
For his part, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his “happiness with the Iraqi delegation’s presence and participation in the conference,” stressing, “his country’s keenness to strengthen relations with Iraq in various fields.”
Interview between Time.news Editor and Faleh Al-Khazali, Chairman of the Parliamentary Agriculture, Water, and Marshlands Committee
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Mr. Al-Khazali. Thank you for joining us today to discuss an important topic that affects many aspects of life in Iraq—agriculture, water management, and our precious marshlands.
Faleh Al-Khazali (FAK): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these crucial issues.
TNE: To kick things off, you recently highlighted the need to activate cooperation in your committee. Can you explain why this is so vital for Iraq right now?
FAK: Certainly. Iraq is facing significant challenges in agriculture and water management, primarily due to climate change, inefficient water use, and political instability. Activating cooperation among different stakeholders—including government bodies, local farmers, and international partners—will strengthen our response to these challenges. It’s essential for securing sustainable water resources and rehabilitating our marshlands.
TNE: That sounds like a multi-faceted approach. What specific strategies are you considering to foster this cooperation?
FAK: We are looking at a few key strategies. First, we want to improve communication lines between governmental agencies and agricultural communities. Information sharing about best practices in water management and sustainable agriculture can greatly enhance productivity. Additionally, we’re working on partnerships with international organizations to bring in resources and expertise.
TNE: The marshlands of southern Iraq are known for their ecological significance and cultural heritage. How does your committee plan to address the environmental challenges facing these areas?
FAK: The marshlands are indeed a vital part of our ecosystem. Unfortunately, they’ve suffered from neglect and degradation. Our committee plans to push for policies focused on restoration projects. This includes reestablishing water flow, promoting biodiversity, and involving local communities in conservation efforts. It’s also crucial to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving these areas.
TNE: Community involvement is an excellent point. How do you envision the role of local farmers in this collaborative effort?
FAK: Local farmers are at the heart of this initiative. They have the most intimate knowledge of the land and what it needs. By involving them in the decision-making process and providing training on sustainable practices, we can create a sense of ownership that encourages responsible stewardship of our resources. Their participation is vital for ensuring the success of any proposed solutions.
TNE: Climate change has become a pressing global issue. How does your committee plan to address its impact on agriculture and water supply in Iraq?
FAK: This is indeed a significant concern. We’re advocating for investment in modern irrigation technologies and drought-resistant crop varieties. Moreover, we are seeking to strengthen our water policies to promote conservation and efficiency. By adapting our agricultural practices and infrastructure, we can mitigate the negative effects of climate change on our food security and water supply.
TNE: It seems like there’s a lot of work ahead. What do you hope to achieve in the short and long term for Iraq’s agricultural and environmental landscape?
FAK: In the short term, we aim to establish stronger frameworks for cooperation and begin tangible projects that demonstrate the benefits of sustainable agriculture and effective water management. In the long term, I hope we can achieve a resilient agricultural sector that supports food security, maintains the health of our ecosystems, and improves the livelihoods of our farmers.
TNE: Your vision is inspiring, Mr. Al-Khazali. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. Let’s hope that your efforts will lead to lasting positive changes in Iraq’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
FAK: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these critical issues, and I look forward to engaging with the public as we move forward.