The Head of Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, Ali Al-Talqani, discussed numerous political, economic, and cultural issues, as well as the upcoming parliamentary elections and the importance of broad participation, with the Dutch Ambassador to Iraq, Michel Rentenaar.
In a statement received by Al-Nabaa News Agency, the Forum noted that "Al-Talqani received at the Forum's headquarters in the Holy City of Karbala the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Iraq, Michel Rentenaar, and his accompanying delegation."
The statement added that both sides, in the presence of the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue's working team of writers, researchers, and intellectuals, discussed opening horizons for joint cooperation in various cultural and scientific fields to achieve prosperity and progress for Iraqi society, foster a genuine intellectual renaissance, and establish a clear vision for development, alongside discussing factors influencing the electoral process, the democratic transition, and its obstacles.
The statement clarified that emphasis was placed on the necessity for active Iraqi stakeholders to support the electoral process and prevent manipulation or fraud through popular oversight and broad participation, as well as supporting youth experiences and developing their political and cultural capabilities through serious programs that secure the future and provide opportunities for young leadership.
Both sides shared an aligned vision toward securing a space for dialogue among political and cultural elites, as well as between decision-makers and the public, to achieve satisfactory outcomes that could contribute to improving conditions in Iraq. They also stressed the importance of building universities and institutes, scientific exchange, sending academic missions, and creating common ground and effective partnerships between academic centers and cultural institutions.
On the economic front, both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in the fields of agriculture and energy, maintaining Iraq's economic neutrality and preventing it from becoming economically dependent, while supporting successful experiences in local communities and focusing on investing in them properly.
For his part, Mr. Rentenaar praised the dialogue programs provided by the Forum across various sectors and their role in presenting different viewpoints and formulating a sound vision to achieve what Iraqi society expects, expressing his hope that his country would undertake activities in this regard.