Iraq's PM Azizi tells US Treasury chief Bessent anti-corruption and state arms control are priorities

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Azizi met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington and said his government is preparing a package of measures to fight corruption and bring weapons under state control as part of efforts to build a strong, sovereign Iraq. A prime ministerial statement said Azizi received Bessent and his accompanying delegation on Tuesday evening local time during his US visit. Azizi told Bessent that Iraqis would begin to see the results of those steps next year across several files, including energy, investment and stability. He also said Iraq would carry out a wide reform process in its banking and insurance sectors. Bessent said the United States supports the Iraqi government's policies and wants to encourage the bilateral relationship to shift from a military presence toward investment and economic development. The US Treasury chief added that a timetable would be set to support Iraq's economic development plans and remove obstacles in their way.