ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The upcoming visit by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to Washington marks a "pivotal strategic step" that reflects a "new Iraq" built on stability, sovereignty, and economic growth, the government spokesperson said Saturday.
"The upcoming official tour of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali al-Zaidi, leading a high-level Iraqi delegation to the US capital, Washington, represents a pivotal strategic step that reflects the reality of the 'new Iraq' - a nation characterized by stability, growth, and sovereignty," government Spokesperson Sabah al-Numan, told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).
Numan said Iraq would approach the visit "from a position of strength and sustainable stability," describing it as the result of "the state's definitive transition toward a stage of security empowerment and comprehensive strategic development."
Rudaw has learned that al-Zaydi will lead a high-level delegation from the Iraqi government to the United States on Monday, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump. The visit is expected to last one week.
Numan said the visit would focus on linking Iraq's security gains with economic development by expanding international partnerships.
"The general vision for the visit is centered on the close link between preserving security achievements and driving economic growth. This opens broad horizons for international partnerships and major global companies, activating joint strategic frameworks that safeguard Iraq's sovereign interests and support the stability of the local investment environment," he said.
Numan also credited Iraq's security forces for creating the conditions necessary for reconstruction and investment.
He added that Iraq's international engagement seeks to capitalize on that stability "to create prosperity and build robust, strong state institutions, ensuring that Iraq remains a distinguished regional model with a unique new vision that safeguards sovereignty and achieves welfare."
Zaidi’s anticipated visit comes as Iraq seeks to balance its strategic partnership with Washington while expanding economic cooperation and attracting foreign investment.
Baghdad and Washington have maintained regular dialogue through mechanisms such as the Higher Coordinating Committee under the Strategic Framework Agreement, with security, energy, and economic issues featuring prominently in bilateral discussions.
Last month, government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi told Rudaw that the visit would focus on strengthening bilateral relations through an economic lens.
“The files concerning the strategic relations between the two countries will be discussed during the visit. The agenda begins with economic issues because the current Iraqi government’s vision is that the economy is the engine of the state,” Aboudi said.
