US President Donald Trump received Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al Zidi and his accompanying delegation at the White House on Tuesday.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the United States will conclude many deals with Iraq, including large quantities of oil.
Trump added that the United States would be ready to support Iraq if it needed protection, but said he did not believe that would be necessary.
Iraq's official Al Iraqiya television reported that the two sides held a summit at the White House.
Al Zidi had stated before leaving Iraq that the Iraqi government had made a firm promise to the Iraqi people that 30 September — the date marking the end of the coalition forces' mission in Iraq — would be the beginning of a new phase of an ambitious partnership with the United States.
"I will head to Washington and I look forward to deepening the partnership in a genuine way. I want to move the relationship between the two countries from a phase of crisis management to a phase of creating opportunities, and I will present, during my meeting with President Donald Trump, practical ways to achieve the vision of partnership and shared opportunities," he said.
He also stated that "President Trump places priority on results, and our discussions will focus on investment."
The Iraqi prime minister said: "We want the major American companies to look at the opportunities available in developing Iraqi infrastructure, the energy sector, industry, technology, and the digital economy. Iraq possesses one of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, abundant natural resources, a skilled workforce, and a large domestic market."
He added: "I carry to the United States a message of confidence that Iraq, as a sovereign state, stands equidistant from regional alignments and conflicts, and chooses instead the path of development, extending its hand to its friends."