Military spokesperson ties PM Zaidi’s Washington visit to Iraq’s stability

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s military spokesperson said Saturday that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s upcoming official visit to Washington reflects what he described as the country’s improved security and stability, with the government seeking to expand international partnerships and attract major global companies.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander in chief of the armed forces, said al-Zaidi will lead a high-level delegation to the U.S. capital on what he called “a pivotal strategic step reflecting the reality of a new Iraq marked by stability, growth, and sovereignty.”

Numan said Iraq was entering the visit “from a position of strength and sustainable stability,” citing what he described as a transition toward a new phase of security consolidation and strategic development.

He said the government’s vision links preserving Iraq’s security gains with economic growth by creating opportunities for international partnerships and major global companies “through activating shared strategic frameworks that safeguard Iraq’s sovereign interests and support the stability of the local investment environment.”

Numan added that “the comprehensive security climate established by our brave military forces and their courageous sacrifices has today become the solid foundation and strong shield for achieving qualitative leaps in reconstruction and development,” saying the engagement aims to use that stability “to create prosperity and build strong, resilient state institutions.”

The visit follows weeks of statements from Iraqi officials emphasizing that economic cooperation will be central to the Washington talks. Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi previously said the agenda would focus on expanding trade, attracting U.S. investment and strengthening cooperation with international companies within the framework of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.

Preparations have included a series of diplomatic contacts between Baghdad and Washington. Al-Zaidi has met senior U.S. officials in Baghdad in recent months, while U.S. presidential envoy Tom Barrack’s visit last month included discussions on economic cooperation, security and arrangements for the trip.