Baghdad – INA
Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi confirmed on Sunday that Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi will travel to the U.S. capital, Washington, on Monday at the head of a high-level delegation. He noted that the prime minister is scheduled to hold key meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, senior officials, and representatives of economic and financial institutions.
Speaking at a press conference attended by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Aboudi said, “Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi will head to the United States tomorrow, Monday, leading a high-level delegation.” He explained that the visit reflects Iraq’s commitment to developing balanced foreign relations based on mutual interests.
He added that the visit carries particular significance as it comes amid sensitive regional circumstances. He revealed that Iraq and the United States will sign memoranda of understanding covering the oil and gas sectors, including the entry of specialized U.S. companies aimed at increasing production capacity and creating alternative export routes to reduce the impact of the Strait of Hormuz.
Al-Aboudi stressed that the visit is intended to strengthen ties with Washington, noting that discussions will focus primarily on expanding economic and investment cooperation.
He explained that, unlike previous visits, the central theme of this trip is the economy. He also affirmed that there will be no changes to the Strategic Framework Agreement, and that all understandings and agreements reached during the visit will be based on its provisions.
He noted that completing the government cabinet remains linked to political consensus, adding that the government will address the remaining vacancies through the delegation’s discussions. He reiterated that memoranda covering the oil and gas sectors will be signed, alongside agreements to bring U.S. oil companies into Iraq to enhance production capacity.
Al-Aboudi added that the visit comes as Iraq seeks to strengthen its regional role and will contribute to enhancing regional engagement. He said the talks will prioritize economic, investment, and development cooperation with the United States, while also promoting Iraq’s investment environment across the energy, trade, and technology sectors.
He confirmed that Al-Zaidi will hold important meetings with President Trump, senior U.S. officials, and economic and financial institutions to advance bilateral dialogue and translate it into tangible cooperation at more advanced levels.
He further stated that Iraq’s delegation will focus its discussions on economic issues, noting that several memoranda of understanding will be implemented under the Iraqi-American Fund for Development and Energy.
Al-Aboudi said Iraq’s relationship with the United States is expected to evolve from crisis management to a long-term economic partnership. He added that the agenda will also include discussions on equipping Iraq’s security forces and enhancing their capabilities.
Regarding the government’s decision to restrict weapons to state control, Al-Aboudi stressed that the measure is a sovereign Iraqi decision aimed at ensuring a stable environment for investment and maintaining internal security.
