Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani inaugurated the second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Narcotics on Monday, highlighting the Iraqi government's commitment to dismantling drug gangs and coordinating with neighboring countries.

The conference welcomed delegations including interior ministers and drug control agencies from nine Arab and regional countries, the Secretary General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

"Combating drugs is a responsibility borne by the state and our societies," Sudani said. He spoke of the importance of enhanced coordination and cooperation to tackle the threat posed by drugs. 

Sudani pointed out the connection between terrorism and drug gangs, which create lawless areas and disrupt security. He noted that drugs are used to recruit terrorists and create unsafe zones, thereby halting development and weakening nations.

"Drugs and terrorism aim to spread conflict and violence, producing extremism and more refugees," he said, adding that drugs are a means to destroy societies from within.

Since taking office, Sudani's administration has focused on measures to dismantle criminal groups involved in the drug trade and strengthen societal resilience against this threat. 

He reiterated Iraq's readiness to share its expertise in intelligence and counter-terrorism with regional and international partners.

"We will support every effort to eradicate drug dens and manufacturing sites, cut their chains, and bring perpetrators to justice," Sudani said, emphasizing the cross-border nature of drug-related crimes.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Iraq's openness to cooperation with allies in the fight against drugs, aiming to make societies free from the social disease.

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari in turn stressed the escalating danger of drugs and called for an international agreement to curb the drug epidemic.

"The capital, Baghdad, welcomes brothers and friends and looks forward to eliminating the drug threat," Al-Shammari said. 

He described the drug epidemic as "a specter haunting Iraqi youth" and stressed the necessity of international cooperation and coordination.

Al-Shammari detailed the Ministry of Interior’s measures and plans to combat drug dealers, confirming that Iraq has successfully targeted major drug trade figures. 

He also noted the signing of memorandums of understanding with several countries to address the issue.

Khaled Al-Muhanna, Director of the Ministry’s Relations and Media Department, highlighted to Iraqi state media the Ministry’s comprehensive national strategy, which includes regional and international cooperation to tackle transnational drug crimes. 

He emphasized Iraq's leading role in establishing a regional cooperation system and the positive response from neighboring countries.

The second Baghdad conference aims to strengthen this cooperation and establish a permanent office in Iraq for data and expertise exchange, Al-Muhanna said.