ERBIL () — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand coordination between Baghdad and Washington in the political, economic, and investment sectors.
The meeting also addressed mechanisms for expanding cooperation, with particular emphasis on economic ties and promoting joint investment.
Al-Zaidi and Trump also reviewed the latest regional developments and challenges, highlighting efforts by Iraq and the United States to strengthen security and stability and prevent a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting comes as Baghdad and Washington are moving toward a broader relationship centered increasingly on economic cooperation as the US prepares to complete its military withdrawal from Iraq at the end of September. Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said ahead of Zaidi’s UN visit that September 30 would mark an important milestone for Iraq’s sovereignty and that relations with Washington would shift toward long-term economic cooperation.
Zaidi and Trump previously met at the White House on July 14, where discussions included bilateral relations, economic cooperation and Iraq’s security commitments.
The Iraqi prime minister has also used his UN visit to promote international investment in Iraq’s energy sector. His office said the government is seeking to expand international partnerships and increase oil production and investment.
