INA–Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Tuesday that his visit to Washington was to announce a joint strategic partnership, emphasising that the United States is Iraq's most important strategic partner in the world.
He also stated that Iraqi security forces are capable of protecting Iraqi territory and that there will be no need for any armed factions after September 30th.
Speaking at a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump at the White House, al-Zaidi said, "Our visit to Washington is to announce a joint strategic partnership, and we came to discuss the future of our relationship with the United States," stressing that "the United States is the most important strategic partner in the world."
"We have received a large number of weapons from some factions, and we will cooperate with those who transition to political activity," al-Zaidi added.
"After September 30th, there will be no need for any armed factions, and our security forces are capable of protecting our territory," Prime Minister confirmed.
On the economic and oil front, al-Zaidi indicated that American companies will enter the Iraqi market, affirming that "Iraq wants a fair share in OPEC".
The Prime Minister continued, stating that Iraq's losses due to terrorism have reached more than $400 billion, adding that "Kurdistan is an important part of Iraq".