The Iraq-US economic partnership entered a new phase on Tuesday following high-level talks at the White House. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met U.S. President Donald Trump during his first official visit to the United States.
Al-Zaidi described the trip as a major diplomatic moment rather than a routine government visit. He said both leaders want to reshape relations between Baghdad and Washington.
The Iraqi prime minister explained that economic cooperation will now play a central role in bilateral relations. Moreover, he said Iraq wants to move beyond decades of security-focused engagement.
During a joint press conference, al-Zaidi announced plans for a strategic economic partnership with Washington. He also confirmed an agreement concerning the future presence of American forces in Iraq.
According to al-Zaidi, Trump agreed that U.S. forces will withdraw from Iraq on September 30. Consequently, Baghdad expects the withdrawal to create a different political and security environment.
Al-Zaidi said Iraq has opened its market to American businesses and investors. Furthermore, Baghdad hopes major U.S. companies will support Iraq’s economic transformation and long-term reconstruction.
He described Iraq as the home of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Meanwhile, he called the United States the world’s leading economic power.
Therefore, Baghdad wants to build a relationship based on investment, development, and shared economic interests. The Iraq-US economic partnership could become the foundation for this new approach.
Al-Zaidi also addressed Iraq’s internal security and the presence of armed groups. He firmly stated that all weapons must remain under government authority.
According to the prime minister, state control over arms remains the government’s only acceptable option. Additionally, he said Iraqi authorities have already collected significant quantities of weapons from armed factions.
The planned American withdrawal could also affect the future of armed groups outside official institutions. Al-Zaidi argued that no justification will remain for independent armed factions after September 30.
Moreover, he stressed that every group must respect Iraqi sovereignty and government authority. Baghdad, he said, will continue working to strengthen state institutions across the country.
Al-Zaidi also revealed plans to hold a national conference focused on Iraqi sovereignty. The government could organize the conference later this year or early next year.
The event will carry the theme “National Sovereignty” and focus on Iraq’s political future. Al-Zaidi emphasized that Iraqis must independently determine their country’s direction.
Meanwhile, the prime minister highlighted Iraq’s enormous reconstruction needs following years of conflict against ISIS. He estimated economic infrastructure damage at approximately $400 billion.
As a result, the government has developed plans to rebuild cities and restore damaged infrastructure. Officials also aim to support the return of internally displaced Iraqis.
Furthermore, Baghdad wants to establish a long-term economic development program. The government hopes international investment will help create jobs and strengthen essential services.
Economic cooperation with Washington could support several parts of this reconstruction strategy. Therefore, the Iraq-US economic partnership remains central to Baghdad’s wider economic plans.
Al-Zaidi also discussed relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region during the press conference. He reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s important position within the Iraqi state.
The prime minister said he makes no distinction between Iraq’s different regions. Instead, he compared every part of Iraq to an essential part of his own body.
His remarks highlighted Baghdad’s stated commitment to maintaining national unity while strengthening relations with the Kurdistan Region.
Finally, al-Zaidi described the United States as Iraq’s most important strategic partner. He expressed confidence that agreements reached in Washington will create lasting political and economic benefits.
The White House talks signal Baghdad’s effort to redefine its relationship with Washington. Security cooperation dominated previous decades, while economic engagement could now shape the next chapter.
