BAGHDAD – Newly-inaugurated Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pledged on Saturday to launch a comprehensive economic reform program and combat administrative and financial corruption as he officially assumed his duties.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi prime minister's media office, al-Zaidi emphasized in his address to the Iraqi people that the coming phase will focus on national partnership to confront the country's challenges.

"Among the foremost priorities of our government is the launch of a comprehensive economic and financial reform program aimed at building a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy that does not rely on a single resource," al-Zaidi said.

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He said the reform program will rely on revitalizing industry, agriculture, tourism, and investment, stressing the government's determination to protect public funds and combat administrative and financial corruption in all its forms.

On foreign policy, al-Zaidi affirmed that Iraq seeks to consolidate security and stability, protect its sovereignty, and strengthen its Arab, regional, and international relations on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.

The address followed a parliamentary session on Thursday, where lawmakers approved 14 out of 23 ministerial portfolios in al-Zaidi's cabinet, ending prolonged political negotiations to form the new government.