Key Points from an Article by Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Published in Today’s Edition of The Washington Post: ……… 🔵 Iraq stands at a pivotal moment in its national reform journey, one Iraqi society has long awaited. 🔵 Our foremost priority is to build a state that all Iraqis can be proud of. 🔵 I lead a government committed to ensuring the state’s legitimate monopoly on the use of force. In less than 60 days, my government has made progress in disarming armed groups and opened the door to their integration into state institutions. 🔵 I have worked to strengthen the rule of law while expanding opportunities and delivering essential services to our citizens. 🔵 I have made a firm pledge to the Iraqi people that September 30, marking the conclusion of the Coalition forces’ mission in Iraq, will also mark the beginning of a new phase of ambitious partnership with the United States. 🔵 I will travel to Washington to deepen our partnership in a meaningful way and move our bilateral relationship beyond crisis management toward creating new opportunities. 🔵 During my meeting with President Donald Trump, I will present practical ways to advance our vision of partnership and shared opportunities. 🔵 President Trump prioritizes results, and our discussions will focus on investment. 🔵 We want major American companies to recognize the opportunities available in developing Iraq’s infrastructure, energy sector, industry, technology, and digital economy. 🔵 Iraq will do its part by implementing the necessary reforms. My experience in business has taught me that international confidence, stability, clarity of vision, and an attractive investment climate are all essential to turning ambition into tangible economic progress. 🔵 Regional stability is vital to my country’s development. Iraq has the potential to become a leading economic hub in the region. 🔵 Iraq possesses one of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, abundant natural resources, a skilled workforce, and a large domestic market. 🔵 The United States is an indispensable partner in advancing international peace and expanding trust and cooperation between Iraq and its neighbors. 🔵 Conflicts and wars only deepen human suffering and diminish opportunities for development, upon which lasting prosperity depends. 🔵 Iraq can be a partner in advancing regional stability. I will discuss ways to further develop the Strategic Framework Agreement, expand scientific and technological cooperation, and continue strengthening Iraq’s security capabilities to safeguard the achievements of our people. 🔵 Iraqis have endured wars, dictatorship, and terrorism. Today, they understand that the time has come to write a new chapter in our relationship with the world and our strategic partners, one based on integration into the global economic and financial systems. 🔵 I carry to the United States a message of confidence: Iraq, as a sovereign state, stands apart from regional alignments and conflicts and instead chooses the path of development, extending a hand of friendship to its partners. 🔵 Great nations are not made by chance. They are built through conscious determination that seizes the right historic moment, when hope is joined with wisdom and leadership chooses to build bridges toward the future. I look forward to realizing that future with our American friends. …… Media Office of the Prime Minister July 12, 2026