Exclusive: Baghdad seeks to establish a new economic era with Washington
Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi confirmed on Tuesday that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States represents a pivotal moment in Iraqi-American relations, considering it the most important visit for an Iraqi government since 2003, because it moves the relationship between the two countries from managing security files and crises to building a long-term economic and investment partnership. Regionalnews updates
Al-Aboudi told Shafaq News Agency that the government views this visit as the beginning of a new phase based on investment, energy and economic development, noting that this path represents the real guarantee for the sustainability of relations between Baghdad and Washington, far from being limited to military or security cooperation that characterized relations during the past two decades.
He added that the government seeks to capitalize on the current political momentum to transform the relationship with the United States into a productive partnership that opens the door for major American companies to participate in strategic projects within Iraq, particularly in the oil, energy and infrastructure sectors.
He explained that a number of major American companies have shown a clear response to the government’s vision, stressing that some of them have already entered into understandings with the Iraqi side, and that the results of these agreements, which are based on common interests, will be announced during the official visit to Washington.
Regarding the issue of restricting weapons to the state, Al-Aboudi stressed that the government has placed it among its top priorities since day one, not only as a security issue, but also as one of the necessary conditions for creating a stable environment capable of attracting foreign investments and stimulating economic growth.
He stressed that the current government has moved in this matter from the stage of pledges to practical implementation, unlike what previous governments witnessed, considering that the steps taken so far reflect the state’s seriousness in imposing its sovereignty and strengthening internal stability.
He pointed out that Iraq’s success in establishing security and extending state authority sends a reassuring message to investors and international companies, and lays the foundation for stronger economic relations with international partners, foremost among them the United States, which will reflect on development opportunities and create a more attractive environment for capital.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday, leading a high-level delegation that included a number of ministers, officials, investors and business owners, for an official visit that will last seven days.
Shafaq.com