ERBIL () — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will visit the United States next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly and is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump and other world leaders, Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said Thursday.
Speaking to Al-Iraqiya News, al-Aboudi said al-Zaidi would deliver Iraq’s address at the UN General Assembly in New York, adding that the prime minister’s program would reflect Iraq’s “strategic relations” with other countries.
The spokesperson said al-Zaidi would also attend a meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce as part of efforts to strengthen economic and trade ties between Baghdad and Washington.
Al-Aboudi described September 30 as a significant “sovereign milestone,” saying it would mark a shift in Iraq-US relations toward long-term economic cooperation.
The date coincides with the planned completion of the US military withdrawal from Iraq. Iraqi and US officials announced in July that US forces would leave Iraq by September 30, while American companies would continue operating in the country.
Al-Zaidi’s upcoming visit follows his five-day trip to Washington in July, during which he met Trump at the White House on July 14. Trump described their relationship as having “tremendous chemistry,” while discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation and US investment in Iraq.
During the July visit, al-Zaidi said Iraq sought to build a stronger economic partnership with the United States following the end of the US military presence, with American companies expected to play a greater role in Iraq’s economy, including the energy sector.
The two governments have also been discussing security cooperation and Iraq’s efforts to bring weapons under state control. Al-Zaidi has pledged to disarm armed factions outside state authority, while his government has simultaneously pursued expanded economic and investment ties with Washington.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to bring world leaders together in New York next week, with major international issues including the Iran conflict, Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and global economic and climate challenges on the agenda.
