Iraqi PM al-Ziyadi to visit Iran on Wednesday, spokesperson says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Ziyadi will travel to Iran on Wednesday on an official invitation, government spokesperson Haydar al-Abbadi announced at a press briefing on Tuesday. A high-level ministerial delegation is expected to accompany the prime minister. Abbadi said the talks would focus on expanding cooperation in trade, transportation and agriculture, and on addressing the gas file within Iraq's national interests. He added that Baghdad is pursuing diplomatic solutions to regional developments and stressed that the consolidation of weapons under state control is a purely internal matter that will not be raised in any foreign visit. On the economy, the spokesperson said the Central Bank will take a significant share in launching the Development Fund, noting that several important countries have expressed interest in contributing. He also reaffirmed that the government will continue its anti-corruption drive without distinguishing between political affiliations. Abbadi said farmer payments remain a priority, though recent developments have caused delays. He added that the water file will be a main item on the agenda when al-Ziyadi visits Turkey at the end of the month. Further details on the prime minister's itinerary were not immediately available.