Iraq, US Set to Sign Economic Agreements During Al-Zaidi’s Washington Visit

Iraqi PM's media office

Iraqi PM in Washington D.C.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington is expected to lead to the signing of a number of memoranda of understanding covering a range of economic sectors.

Following his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., Prime Minister al-Zaidi said discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic cooperation, and creating opportunities for American companies to participate in development projects in Iraq, particularly in the energy sector.

Al-Zaidi said the purpose of his visit is to establish a strong economic partnership with the United States, stressing the importance of expanding American economic engagement and building strong societal and commercial ties rather than focusing solely on military cooperation as a means of supporting development.

He described the Iraq-US partnership as a connection between one of the world’s oldest civilisations, represented by Iraq, and the centre of the global economy, represented by the United States. He said the focus should be on opportunities that serve the interests of both Iraqi and American citizens.

The Prime Minister added that Iraq requires a strategic partner of the United States’ scale to help address economic and technological challenges. He stressed that Iraq’s economic development plans and partnership with Washington would benefit all parts of the country, including the Kurdistan Region, Basra, Anbar and other provinces.

Al-Zaidi said American companies would enter the Iraqi market, adding that Iraq seeks to secure a fair share within the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

According to the government’s plans, Iraq aims to sign cooperation agreements with US companies specialising in oil field development and gas investment. The plans also include strengthening cooperation between the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Federal Reserve to modernise the banking sector and improve financial transparency.

In addition, Iraq is exploring the creation of a joint investment fund and greater cooperation in digital economy initiatives and advanced technologies.

For his part, US President Donald Trump described the partnership between Washington and Baghdad as strong and lasting, praising Iraq as a significant country and commending Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s efforts and policies.

Trump said the withdrawal plans of the international coalition from Iraq were progressing smoothly, adding that it was an honour to host the Iraqi Prime Minister. He said al-Zaidi’s influence could extend beyond Iraq and that he could become an important leader in the Middle East.

“We have a strong partnership with Iraq, and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is doing an excellent job,” Trump said, describing Iraq as a great country with substantial natural resources.

The US president highlighted Iraq’s significant oil reserves, saying the two countries would pursue major agreements, including large-scale energy deals. He added that the United States would not require troops or a military presence in Iraq.

Trump reiterated that plans for the international coalition’s withdrawal were moving forward smoothly and said Washington supported al-Zaidi’s efforts to ensure that weapons remain under state control.


PUKMEDIA