In a farewell message, the British Ambassador: Iraq is currently in its best condition since the seventies of the last century
In a farewell message, the British Ambassador: Iraq is currently in its best condition since the seventies of the last century
2025/02/28
The British Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchcock, sent a message to the Iraqis on the occasion of the end of his duties.
“Dear Iraqis, I will be leaving your beloved country in a few days, and I would like to express my deep gratitude for your friendship and hospitality over the past two years,” Hitchen wrote in his message.
“I will tell you a secret, my wife is angry with me, and this is nothing new, but this time for a specific reason! She has seen videos of me enjoying the beauty of your country, she saw me on top of the Malwiya Minaret, and on the banks of the Euphrates in Ramadi, and she saw me tasting Maskouf, Dolma, Bajeh, Zardeh, Dahina, and Turab al-Muluk, she saw me in the mountains of Barzan and the marshes of Dhi Qar, and in the churches of Baghdad and the Monastery of Mar Mattai, and among the shrines of the Imams in Samarra, Najaf, Karbala, and Kadhimiya, and she also saw me celebrating the birth of the Prophet in Adhamiya. The result? She is very angry and insists that we return one day as tourists!”
“I have learned a lot from you, the true meaning of courage, kindness and tact, and I have seen how, despite all the challenges, you put hospitality first. I have also added some new Iraqi words to my vocabulary: stoney, saba’i, balam, agsha!”
He continued, “I have been fortunate to see Iraq these days at its best since the 1970s, and despite the great progress, there are still challenges, and I am proud that the UK is working with you to address them. The economy remains the biggest of these challenges: we announced exports worth $15 billion during Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s visit to London. In the field of education, we launched 12 new university partnerships, and the University of London opened in Erbil.”
“On climate change, which could threaten stability and progress, we have signed a new agreement on this issue, and announced significant British investment in water resource management. The threat of drug and human trafficking is no less dangerous than terrorism, so we are working with you to build a new agreement to support the police and enhance border security. Finally, we all know that success cannot be achieved without empowering half of society, which is why we have started a dialogue to enhance women’s political and economic participation in a framework of respect and cooperation.”
The British Ambassador said in his message: “I have witnessed a significant transformation in Iraq and its place in the world. Previously, the talk was about how Iraq’s problems affect the region, but today, the focus is on how to protect Iraq from the crises of the region. Iraq is no longer just an item on the international agenda, but has become a participant in shaping it. Your experience and wisdom are of enormous value, especially to your neighbors in Syria, as they seek to emerge from the legacy of the past. Our partnership today has become a partnership of equals. I have never felt more proud than when I welcomed Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to his meeting with His Majesty the King as an honored guest. The weather was cold, but the welcome was warm.”
He added: “I do not want to overstep the bounds of your hospitality, but allow me to share my hopes for Iraq. First, I wish this great country prosperity and stability, but with the rapid population growth (2.3% annually) and the decline in oil prices since my arrival, rapid economic reform is needed to revive the private sector and invest in the Iraqi people.”
He continued: “Secondly, governance precedes political competition, and you have an upcoming test with the elections. There are two paths before you: either form a new government quickly that enhances the momentum of progress, or a long delay that may drain what has been achieved over the past two years. Nationalism requires making concessions, and quickly.”
Finally, Hitchen says: “You are the only ones who can solve your problems. You have the creativity, intelligence and flexibility to overcome challenges, but we hope to be by your side in this journey, not only because we want to help, but simply because we find in you an exceptional comfort and warmth.”
He concluded by saying: “I seem to have talked for too long, and I do not want to offend the prestige of “Abu Naji”, but I am about to cry! It is time for me to go and make peace with my wife. All the best.”
alforatnews.iq
