Iraqi PM meets US Special Presidential Envoy in Washington

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq Tom Barrack discussed on Monday prospects for cooperation between Iraq and the United States.

The meeting is part of al-Zaidi’s official visit to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss transforming US-Iraq relations into economic and security partnerships.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two sides reviewed the economic relations between the two countries and the progress made in the past few months, as well as approaches to increase cooperation.

The discussion also addressed developments in the Middle East, efforts to promote stability and reduce tensions, as well as Iraq’s crucial position in fostering de-escalation in the region.

The visit aims to reinforce the strategic partnership between Iraq and the US, with oil and gas deals likely to be inked as part of efforts to promote cooperation.

According to the spokesperson of the Iraqi government, Haider al-Aboudi, Iraq is expected to sign memoranda of understanding with US corporations to boost oil production capacity.

The anticipated oil and gas deals aim to establish alternate export outlets to mitigate interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to al-Aboudi.

Al-Aboudi added that al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington will also address approaches to enhance the capabilities of Iraq’s military forces.