From bidding farewell to combat missions to building economic bridges… Al-Zaidi outlines the features of the new partnership with Washington
From bidding farewell to combat missions to building economic bridges… Al-Zaidi outlines the features of the new partnership with Washington
2026/06/27
Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi confirmed on Saturday that his upcoming visit to Washington represents a declaration of a new phase of partnership between Iraq and the United States, based on common interests and mutual respect, while revealing a government direction to move from a military partnership to a sustainable economic, investment and development partnership.
Al-Zaydi said in a press statement followed by Al-Furat News that “our visit to Washington is not a passing protocol visit, but rather represents an announcement of a new phase of partnership between Iraq and the United States, based on common interests and mutual respect.”
He added that “the international coalition forces will end their combat mission against ISIS in September and leave Iraq permanently,” indicating that “the government looks forward to the American presence in the next phase being through economic, investment and development partnerships.”
He explained that “the government has directed the ministries of oil, electricity and communications to give priority to reputable American companies in the fields of energy, communications, technology and development,” noting that “the Ministerial Council for the Economy has made decisions related to major oil projects with international companies, including Chevron, Halliburton and HKN, in addition to giving them opportunities to work in new fields and exploration blocks.”
Al-Zaydi pointed out that “the telecommunications sector is moving towards strategic cooperation with Starlink, which will enhance the digital infrastructure in Iraq,” noting that “the government will discuss with the American side the Energy and Development Fund project, which starts from 500,000 barrels per day up to two million barrels per day, depending on the economic and production conditions.”
He stressed that “the government’s goal is to rebuild the damaged infrastructure by investing resources in development projects,” adding that “Iraq is working to obtain a fair share of oil production within OPEC in line with its capabilities.”
On the domestic front, Al-Zaydi explained that “the government conducted an in-depth dialogue with the armed factions, and affirmed that the state is the unifying framework, and the presence of weapons outside its institutions cannot be accepted,” stressing that “the current stage requires everyone to move to working through the state and its institutions.”
He revealed preparations for holding a “Sovereignty Conference,” which aims to affirm that Iraq’s decision is in the hands of Iraqis, with an Iraq free of foreign forces and any armed formations outside the framework of the state.
The Prime Minister stressed that “Iraq does not accept dictates from any party, and the decision will always be in accordance with the interest of Iraqis first,” noting that “Baghdad welcomes hosting any dialogue that contributes to calming the region, including talks between the United States and Iran.”
In the economic file, Al-Zaydi explained that “the government is working on establishing a development fund with the participation of the Central Bank and national funds, while opening the door to public subscription and regional and international partnerships,” stressing that “the financing of projects will be according to the needs of the market in a way that contributes to stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.”
In the fight against corruption, Al-Zaydi affirmed that “the government has begun confronting corruption through legal procedures, and has stopped a large part of the waste and recovered funds through official frameworks,” noting “the formation of a central committee to review contracts whose value exceeds 25 billion dinars, and the referral of a draft law to the House of Representatives to form a body for prior oversight and auditing in all state institutions.”
alforatnews.iq
