Baghdad-INA
The Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington would lay the foundation for a new economic phase in U.S.-Iraq relations, outlining a schedule that includes meetings at Congress, the U.S. Treasury Department and American financial institutions. He added that the prime minister's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier in the day was positive.
Speaking to the Al-Mashhad program on Al Iraqiya News, as followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Aboudi said the prime minister's visit to the United States, leading a delegation of ministers and business leaders, was "exceptional."
He said that "today's positive development in U.S.-Iraq relations marks a shift from a security-focused partnership toward one centered on the economy and investment."
He added that "the Iraqi delegation is pursuing an economic agenda aimed at strengthening Iraq's economic activity and securing Iraqi oil exports by expanding investment and development opportunities," noting that "energy and financial issues featured prominently in the atmosphere of understanding and agreement between the prime minister and the U.S. president today."
Al-Aboudi said that "the meeting between the prime minister and the U.S. president was positive, with all indicators pointing to constructive engagement between the two sides," adding that "from the outset, the government's ministerial program has prioritized strengthening Iraq's foreign relations, particularly with globally influential countries, to support growth and stimulate the economy."
He added that "Iraq remains outside regional and international conflict blocs and does not interfere in the affairs of other countries. The government is guided by these principles to safeguard Iraq's national interests," stressing that "the economy represents the Iraqi state's greatest challenge."
He said that "what we have observed, and what analysts have noted, is that the United States values its partnerships with Iraq," adding that "the government led by Al-Zaidi has made the economy the cornerstone of its relationship with Washington."
He added that "the deadline of Sept. 30 will mark the end of the U.S. military presence, paving the way for a new phase focused on development through long-term economic partnerships by encouraging investment and providing a stable investment climate," noting that "the Iraqi government is moving ahead with comprehensive reforms."
Al-Aboudi said that "Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington is the most significant by an Iraqi government since 2003, as it lays the foundation for a new chapter in bilateral relations, shifting the focus from security to the economy," adding that "the warm reception highlighted by many reflects the Iraqi government's systematic approach to addressing complex issues."
He also said that "media coverage of the meeting between Al-Zaidi and Trump was notable, with Iraqi, Arab and international media outlets giving the talks extensive attention."
Regarding the visit's agenda, Al-Aboudi said: "The prime minister's schedule began today with a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, followed by a visit to the Department of Defense. Other stops will include Congress, the U.S. Treasury Department and American financial institutions."
He added that "in the coming hours, efforts will focus on aligning views between the Central Bank of Iraq and U.S. financial institutions, with that understanding expected to culminate in agreements benefiting Iraq's financial sector."
He stressed that "the visit will include understandings and meetings that will serve the interests of Iraq's financial system."
