His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated the Iraqi people on victory achieved and led to the defeat of the so-called Islamic State (IS) and abolishing it from most its soil.

   His Highness's remark came during the official inauguration of the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) on Wednesday.
 The significant level of participation in this Conference, either government, civil or private, came as a global recognition of the magnitude of sacrifices by Iraq in its fight against terrorism, His Highness noted, pointing out that the international community sough to reward these sacrifices that turned lives of Iraqis in IS-controlled areas into a "living hell."
   Results of this Conference are a continuation of all "our" efforts, His Highness said. "Yet, we should not neglect the suffering of our brothers in Syria and Yemen due to the ongoing conflicts taking place there, but we are confident that we and the international community will support them as soon as security and stability are restored." 
His Highness carried on saying that the magnitude of destruction inflicted on Iraq by terrorist groups could not be overlooked, which requires Iraq to embark on an inclusive reconstruction process that would cover infrastructure and other public utilities; a task that cannot be endured by Iraq alone, and a matter that urged "us" to call on the international community to partake and shoulder its responsibility.
   "In light of our realization of such consequences, we considered the vital role of the private sector in reinvigorating the investment environment in Iraq. Last night, more than 2,000 businesses from the private sector came to examine investment opportunities in Iraq. Also, non-governmental organizations contributed in lessening suffering of the Iraqi people."
   His Highness, during the speech, extended appreciation to Iraq, the United Nations, the European Union and the World Bank, all as co-chairs of KICRI, along with the host country.
   His Highness concluded by announcing a USD one billion in loans to Iraq through Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, as well as another USD one billion in investments in Iraq. (end)
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