Washington – INA
Minister of Trade Mustafa al-Ani confirmed on Wednesday that the talks at the White House focused on economic cooperation and the future partnership between Baghdad and Washington. He also indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization.
Al-Ani told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "One of the most important aspects of the visit was the meeting at the White House between Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi and US President Donald Trump, during which several issues related to cooperation and the future partnership between Iraq and the United States were discussed, in addition to exploring ways to cooperate and remove obstacles facing American investors."
He added that "the official government delegation includes a select group of Iraqi business leaders with the aim of strengthening communication between the Iraqi and American private sectors. A meeting will also be held with the US Chamber of Commerce to discuss a number of shared issues."
He noted that "the delegation concluded meetings with a number of American companies to discuss prospects for future cooperation, particularly in areas that benefit Iraqi farmers. It was agreed that ideas would be presented clearly for study, discussion, and practical action."
He added that "the Minister of Trade heads the Iraqi side of the US-Iraq Business Council, specifically regarding Iraqi businesspeople. Discussions will also focus on reactivating and implementing agreements signed between Iraq and the United States."
He affirmed that "the talks will also include a request for US support for Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization, as Iraq has fulfilled all the necessary requirements and is awaiting the organization's decision on its membership."