Mark Savaya (center) pictured with U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Vice President JD Vance (right) following Savaya’s appointment as Special Envoy to Iraq.
Al-Sudani and Barzani welcome Trump’s appointment of Mark Savaya as US envoy to Iraq
BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s appointment of Mark Savaya as Special Envoy to Iraq, calling it an encouraging step toward strengthening relations between the two countries.
During a meeting with Iraqi and foreign journalists in Baghdad, Al-Sudani said the appointment was “an important step, especially since he is of Iraqi origin,” adding that he wished Savaya success in his new role.
Barzani also voiced his support in a statement, writing, “I welcome President Donald J. Trump’s appointment of Mr. Mark Savaya as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq. This decision underscores the strategic importance of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in advancing our shared interests and regional stability.”
Trump announced Savaya’s appointment on Oct. 19, describing him as a Michigan-based entrepreneur of Iraqi Chaldean descent with strong community ties. “Mark’s deep understanding of the Iraq-U.S. relationship, and his connections in the region, will help advance the interests of the American people,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Savaya, who owns the cannabis company Leaf and Bud in the United States, responded on Instagram: “I am deeply humbled, honored and grateful to President Donald J. Trump for appointing me as Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq. I am committed to strengthening the U.S.–Iraq partnership under President Trump’s leadership and guidance.”
The appointment followed Trump’s remarks at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, where he referenced Iraq’s oil wealth after greeting Al-Sudani. Many in Baghdad had anticipated the nomination of a new U.S. ambassador instead, making Savaya’s selection a surprise that analysts described as a sign of a new, less traditional phase in U.S.-Iraq relations.
Savaya, who has no background in diplomacy or politics, is a Chaldean Christian of Iraqi heritage and has visited Baghdad several times.