Iraqi Prime Minister Zaydi meets with Trump at the White House

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Zaydi made his first foreign visit to the US since taking office. Zaydi met with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Speaking to the press alongside Trump following the meeting, Zaydi stated that his visit was not merely diplomatic, saying, "This visit is being conducted to initiate a new era of strategic partnership between Iraq and the US and to increase the investments of American companies in the Iraqi market."

Reminding that Iraq is one of the founding members of OPEC, Zaydi noted that his country has paid a heavy price in the fight against terrorism, stating, "We want a fair oil production quota for Iraq. Our infrastructure has suffered great damage due to the fight against terrorism."

"Weapons will only be in the hands of the state"

Reminding that the mandate of the US-led International Coalition established against the terrorist organization ISIS will end at the end of September, Zaydi said that Iraqi security forces are ready to take over the country's security completely. Stating that some armed groups have begun to surrender their weapons to the state, Zaydi said, "We will resolutely continue our policy that weapons should only be in the hands of the state. We are ready to cooperate with all parties that want to participate in the political process."

Expressing that Iraq has suffered economic losses exceeding 400 billion dollars due to terrorism, Zaydi said they aim to ensure the return of all displaced citizens to their homes.

Message on the KRG

Evaluating the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Zaydi said, "The KRG is an inseparable part of Iraq. I cannot cut off and discard a part of my body."

Zaydi will hold meetings for 7 days in the US, where he arrived with a large delegation consisting of ministers, high-level officials, and business people.

News Source: İHA