Iraqi PM’s Washington visit framed as key moment in US ties since 2003

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Abboudi said Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zeydi’s official visit to the United States represents the clearest turning point in Baghdad–Washington relations since 2003. Speaking to reporters, Abboudi said the trip aims to move cooperation beyond security and into economy, investment and sustainable development. Abboudi said the government is building its strategic partnership model around economic interests and is working to draw major American companies into key sectors, particularly oil, energy and infrastructure. He noted that several US firms have shown strong interest in entering the Iraqi market and reached preliminary understandings with Iraqi counterparts, with details expected to be announced during the Washington visit. The spokesman also said the government has prioritized consolidating arms under state control from the start, arguing that the policy strengthens security and creates a stable environment for foreign capital. Abboudi added that the executive branch has moved beyond the policy announcement phase, with concrete steps under way to establish state sovereignty across all territory. The visit comes as al-Zeydi is in Washington to discuss economic and security files with US officials.