State institutions are preparing to celebrate Sovereignty Day through an extensive program that includes security, cultural, artistic, tourism, and service events, in addition to a central celebration and gatherings at ministries and government agencies, decorating the streets of the capital, launching fireworks, and opening a number of tourism and entertainment facilities for citizens free of charge.
Officials from the Ministries of Interior and Culture, the Security Media Cell, the Tourism Authority, and Baghdad Municipality confirmed that preparations include diverse programs and activities that reflect the significance of the occasion, alongside assurances of the readiness of security and military institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting the country and enhancing national decision-making.
The head of the Security Media Cell, Major General Saad Ma'n, stated in a press interview that "Sovereignty Day represents an important milestone in the journey of the Iraqi state, reflecting the capacity of security and military institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in protecting Iraq, its security and stability, and possessing independent national decision-making."
Ma'n clarified that "the issue of military bases is being addressed according to agreed-upon timelines and arrangements that align with national interests and Iraqi sovereignty," affirming that "Iraqi security forces continue to develop their capabilities and take on responsibilities according to prepared plans."
He added that "security institutions continuously work to enhance readiness and capabilities to enable them to deal with various challenges and threats and to protect Iraqi airspace and lands."
He further noted that "providing any support or assistance from any international entity in the future is a matter to be decided by the Iraqi government in accordance with legal and sovereign frameworks and Iraq's higher interests," emphasizing that "Iraq is progressing towards strengthening its national capabilities, and the protection of Iraq and its sovereignty is primarily an Iraqi responsibility, alongside ongoing international cooperation that serves security and stability and preserves national decision-making."
For his part, Major General Muqdad Miri, head of the Relations and Media Department at the Ministry of Interior, stated in a press interview that "the ministry has prepared a program to celebrate the occasion that includes holding celebrations and gatherings, as well as utilizing its media capabilities to mark Sovereignty Day."
He added that "the ministry has directed its media departments in Baghdad and the provinces to pay attention to the occasion, hold events, raise posters, and organize gatherings and other activities that reflect the importance of Sovereignty Day."
On the cultural side, Deputy Minister of Culture Qassem Al-Sudani told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the ministry has prepared a proactive plan to celebrate Sovereignty Day and has been preparing for a central celebration on the Al-Rasheed Theatre stage."
He added that "the central celebration will include artistic performances and a book fair, with the participation of the Music Arts Directorate, the Cultural Attaché Office, the Children's Culture House, and the Antiquities Authority, in addition to organizing gatherings in the squares of several ministries and agencies according to the approved directives."
He explained that "the various directorates of the Ministry of Culture spread across different areas of Baghdad will participate in the events, which include carrying the Iraqi flag during the gatherings and activities related to the occasion."
For his part, Ali Yassin, director of Relations and Media and spokesperson for the Tourism Authority, stated in a press interview that "the authority has prepared a set of publications and informational materials to promote tourism, cultural, heritage, archaeological, religious, and natural sites in Iraq."
He added that "the publications include a tourist guide to Iraq in several languages, as well as a file on Baghdad as the capital of Arab tourism prepared in multiple languages, in addition to tourist maps and various informational materials about different types of tourism attractions in the country."
He pointed out that "the Cinema and Theatre Directorate will present a short theatrical performance for the occasion, while the Al-A'zamiyah Island will be opened free of charge for citizens," noting that "the authority will communicate with several tourist resorts and investors to encourage them to open their facilities to citizens during the occasion."
Yassin affirmed that "Sovereignty Day represents a day of pride and honor for every Iraqi, and the concerned authorities will exert efforts to showcase the occasion in the best possible way."
On his part, Oday Al-Jundil, spokesperson for Baghdad Municipality, stated in a press interview that "the municipality will begin its activities for Sovereignty Day starting Wednesday, September 30, through campaigns to clean and wash the streets in all neighborhoods and areas of the capital."
He added that "the vehicles and streets will be adorned with slogans specific to the occasion, while fireworks will be launched on Thursday at 7 PM in the 14 municipal departments and various municipal sections."
He pointed out that "the municipal departments and the Media and Public Awareness Department will distribute Iraqi flags and sweets to citizens and the security forces present in the streets of the capital in celebration of the occasion."
Al-Jundil explained that "Baghdad Municipality has decided to open Al-Zawraa Park free of charge for citizens throughout the Sovereignty Day holiday from Wednesday to Saturday, in addition to opening the tourist facility in the park for free, and preparing gardens, parks, and other tourist facilities and conducting necessary maintenance work."