Ministry of Trade: Talks in Washington focused on partnership and supporting Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization
Ministry of Trade: Talks in Washington focused on partnership and supporting Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization
7-15-2026
Trade Minister Mustafa al-Ani confirmed on Wednesday that the White House talks focused on economic cooperation and the future partnership between Baghdad and Washington. He also indicated that talks are underway for Iraq to join the World Trade Organization. Al-Ani stated in a statement to the official news agency that “one of the most important stops on the visit was the meeting at the White House between Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi and US President Donald Trump, where several files related to cooperation and the future partnership between Iraq and the United States were discussed, in addition to exploring ways to cooperate and remove obstacles facing American investors.”
He added that “the official government delegation includes a select group of Iraqi businessmen with the aim of strengthening communication between the Iraqi private sector and its American counterpart, and will also hold a meeting with the American Chamber of Commerce to discuss a number of common issues.”
He also noted that “the delegation concluded meetings with a group of American companies to discuss prospects for future cooperation, particularly in areas that serve the Iraqi farmer, as it was agreed to present ideas clearly for study, interaction, and taking practical measures regarding them.”
He also explained that “these companies specialize in the fields of irrigation, transportation and vehicles, and some of their specializations may not be directly related to the Ministry of Trade, but they can contribute, through the Ministry, to supporting the rest of the Iraqi institutions.” He continued, “The Minister of Trade heads the Iraqi side in the US-Iraq Business Council with regard to Iraqi businessmen, and the reactivation of agreements signed between Iraq and the United States and their implementation will be discussed.”
He confirmed that “the talks will also include a request for US support for Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization, after Iraq completed all the requirements required of it, and is awaiting the organization’s decision to approve its accession.” He added that “Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization will have a positive impact on various economic aspects,” noting that “Iraq completed all its obligations during the fourth round of negotiations last year, and only the vote by the member states remains.”
He also expressed his hope that “the United States will take a supportive stance towards Iraq joining the organization,” noting that “the oil and energy sectors represent the most prominent aspects of this tour, as a number of contracts will be signed with American companies by the Ministries of Oil and Electricity.” He continued, “The Development Fund was present in the discussions and is considered one of the most prominent outcomes of the visit, as it is hoped that it will contribute to the implementation of new projects that are not limited to the oil and energy sector, but extend to technology and others, thus enabling the transfer of American expertise to Iraq.”
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