Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is on his way to Washington for his first official foreign contacts since taking office on May 1. Prime Minister Zaidi, along with a high-level delegation, will meet with US President Donald Trump and other senior officials.
Government spokesperson Haydar al-Abudi stated that the visit reflects Baghdad's policy of 'balanced foreign relations based on mutual interests.'
The main focus of the visit will be economic cooperation rather than security issues. The parties are expected to sign memoranda of understanding in the oil and gas sector. These agreements aim to increase Iraq's production capacity and develop export routes that will reduce the impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks will also address development funds and a joint coordination mechanism that envisions Iraq receiving services from US companies in exchange for limited oil exports.
The Baghdad administration views this visit as an opportunity to transform relations with Washington from 'crisis management to a long-term economic partnership.'