Al-Zaidi Seeks a Strategic Partnership with the United States Ahead of Meeting Trump
Baghdad seeks to expand the scope of American economic support amid financial pressures and challenges facing the energy sector, particularly as the government continues its efforts to place all weapons under state control in line with U.S. expectations.
Iraq and the United States confirmed on Tuesday their intention to strengthen a broader framework of strategic cooperation based on mutual interests, encompassing security, economic affairs, energy, and investment, as preparations intensify for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s anticipated visit to Washington in mid-July.
The confirmation came in a joint statement issued by Al-Zaidi and U.S. Presidential Special Envoy Tom Barrack, reflecting both sides’ desire to recalibrate bilateral relations on more stable and effective foundations that could positively influence Iraq’s political and economic situation.
This development coincides with domestic efforts led by the Iraqi prime minister regarding the concentration of arms under state authority. Available indicators suggest relative progress through the integration of several armed groups into official state institutions, while some factions continue to reject relinquishing their arsenals, making this issue one of the most sensitive challenges facing the country at present.
At the same time, Baghdad is seeking to broaden American economic support amid budgetary pressures, challenges in the energy sector, fluctuations in oil revenues, and regional repercussions linked to escalating tensions across the Middle East. The Iraqi government believes that strengthening its partnership with Washington could contribute to economic stability and the improvement of critical infrastructure, particularly in the electricity and oil sectors.
According to the statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing a “strong and balanced” bilateral relationship capable of fulfilling the Iraqi people’s aspirations for security, sovereignty, and prosperity, while emphasizing that this partnership should have a tangible impact on the lives of citizens in both countries.
The American side also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump is looking forward to hosting Ali Al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July. The meeting is expected to focus on shaping the next phase of strategic cooperation between the two nations.
During their discussions, both sides addressed Baghdad’s vision for rebuilding a stable domestic environment free from armed groups operating outside state authority. They emphasized the importance of restricting the use of force to official institutions, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring that Iraqi territory is not used as an arena for settling regional disputes.
On the economic front, the United States welcomed Iraqi initiatives aimed at expanding investment and trade cooperation. These include granting operating licenses to international telecommunications companies, engaging in discussions with American firms to develop major oil fields, rehabilitating strategic crude oil transportation and export projects, and advancing plans to strengthen energy security through liquefied natural gas imports.
The statement also underscored the importance of supporting a strong federal Iraqi state built upon solid constitutional institutions and committed to equality among all citizens, thereby reinforcing national unity, stability, and the country’s ability to achieve sustainable development in the years ahead.
