Shafaq News- Baghdad
Iraq will sign more than 18 partnershipagreements with the United States across various sectors during Prime MinisterAli al-Zaidi's official visit to Washington, an informed source told ShafaqNews on Tuesday, with several having been finalized and are ready forsignature.
The agreements cover politics, the economy,industry, energy, oil, education, health, investment, and armament, accordingto the source, who said they would strengthen the partnership between Baghdadand Washington.
: Al-Zaidi at the White House: A sustainable partnership or continued crisis management?
Iraq is seeking to establish a development fundat an American commercial bank rather than at the Federal Reserve, the sourcesaid. Preliminary indications point to the fund being financed from revenue onoil exported to the United States at a volume reaching 500,000 barrels per day,bringing its financing value to $1 trillion. The money would go towardinvestment and infrastructure projects, with electricity generation first amongthem.
The Iraqi government announced the fund lastmonth at a lower figure. Government spokesman Haidar al-Aboudi said the Councilof Ministers had approved a development fund project backed by internationalguarantees and contributions valued at $150 billion, intended to delivereconomic stability through investment.
Trump said earlier Tuesday that a major oilpartnership with Iraq will be announced next week, alongside significantcommercial deals.
Al-Zaidi arrived in Washington on Monday leadinga high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, investors, and companyowners on a seven-day official visit.