Iraqi PM al-Zaydi, German Chancellor Merz discuss expanding economic ties

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaydi held a high-level phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, focusing on expanding economic, trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries. During the call, al-Zaydi proposed establishing a joint fund to support economic partnerships between Iraq and Germany. The two leaders also reviewed ways to increase bilateral trade volume and explore new industrial partnership opportunities, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Energy and investment topics were added to the agenda, with both sides stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and advancing projects based on mutual interests. The discussion covered cooperation mechanisms across trade, industry, energy and investment. The two leaders agreed that technical delegations from both sides would continue detailed consultations in the coming period. No further details on the proposed joint fund or specific sectors were immediately available.