Iraqi PM Sudani to visit Washington on Tuesday for talks focused on economy, energy

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani will travel to Washington on Tuesday for an official visit, Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Abadi announced on Monday. The spokesman said the visit was timed to the prevailing regional conditions and was part of the government's program to strengthen ties with the United States, with talks focused on expanding economic and investment cooperation. Al-Abadi said agreements to be signed during the visit would center on the oil and gas sector, including steps to bring American companies into Iraq and to raise the country's oil production capacity. He described the push as a strategic effort to strengthen Iraq's energy security and reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. The prime minister is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump as well as officials from economic and financial institutions, with discussions expected to cover Iraq's regional position, development cooperation and investment in energy, trade and technology. Al-Abadi said the understandings will be implemented under an Iraq–U.S. Development and Energy Fund, adding that the relationship is shifting from crisis management to long-term economic partnership while the existing Strategic Framework Agreement remains unchanged. The spokesman also said completion of the Council of Ministers depends on political consensus and that the prime minister's delegation will handle the remaining portfolios. He added that consolidating arms under state control is an Iraqi decision meant to safeguard the investment climate and support domestic stability.