US President Donald Trump said during his meeting with new Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi yesterday that Iran represents a "heavy burden" on Iraq that will soon be removed. He praised Al-Zaidi's performance, saying he is "doing a great job" and will remain prime minister for "a long time," and announced that major oil deals would be struck.
While receiving Al-Zaidi and his accompanying delegation at the White House, the US president told reporters that the United States would conclude many deals with Iraq, including large quantities of oil. He added that the United States would be ready to support Iraq if it needed protection, but said he does not believe that will be necessary.
He added that Iran represents a "heavy burden" on Iraq that will be removed soon. Trump said that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi is "doing a great job" and will remain prime minister for a long time.
Trump stated that it was a great honour to host the prime minister, affirming that they have a strong partnership with Iraq and that Washington will not need the US military to be in Iraq or to maintain a military presence there.
Trump also announced that next week will see the announcement of a major oil partnership with Iraq, in addition to the conclusion of major trade deals.
For his part, Al-Zaidi said: "This visit to Washington will not be a passing one, but rather comes to announce a joint strategic partnership and the entry of American companies into the Iraqi market."
The Iraqi prime minister said: "We want major American companies to look at the available opportunities 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 competent workforce, and a large domestic market."
He added: "I bring 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."
Al-Zaidi confirmed that the phase following the end of the international coalition's mission in Iraq at the end of September will see complete reliance on Iraqi security capabilities.
Al-Zaidi stated that Iraqi security forces have become capable of protecting the country, affirming that the state has received quantities of weapons from some factions as part of efforts to restrict arms to state hands. He clarified that the government will cooperate with entities that choose to engage in political work.
On the relationship with the Kurdistan Region, Al-Zaidi continued: "I cannot cut off a part of my own body."