Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaydi emphasized that the preservation of Baghdad is a responsibility that falls on the government and on every official, in order to sustain its presence and great status.
This came during a speech he delivered at the Baghdad Day celebration held this evening, Sunday, at the Abbasid Palace, to mark the anniversary of the founding of the city of Baghdad.
Al-Zaydi pointed out that celebrating Baghdad Day encapsulates its history, present, and rich extension in the fields of science, literature, arts, and jurisprudence since its founding, noting that Baghdad's role has begun over 14 centuries ago, transforming this place into a global hub where the cultures of peoples, religions, and nations converge, colored by Baghdadi culture, and embracing scholars and the makers of history as a whole.
He continued, "Every official, when undertaking their duties, must rise to the level of the task entrusted to them in maintaining its presence and status, and we cannot be content with Baghdad in terms of municipal services, residential area requirements, streets, and bridges, but rather start from its civilizational and demographic weight as the greatest gateway to Iraq."
He also added that "the civilizational transformations happening in Baghdad illuminate all of Iraq, and if Baghdad enhances its services and neighborhoods, then all of Iraq will resonate with this elevation."
He stated, "We are committed to providing Baghdad with everything that preserves its dignity and beauty, and we are working to entrench the law that reinforces its security and stability, and protects its wealth from the plunderers of public funds."
He stressed, saying, "There is no place in Baghdad and its sisters for the corrupt and those who tamper with the state and its wealth, and we will not allow any violation of the law under any title."