ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US special envoy for Syria and Iraq, Thomas Barrack reaffirmed a beneficial US-Iraq partnership following Barrack's visit to Baghdad on Monday amid ongoing armed group disarmaments in Iraq, a joint statement on Tuesday read.
The two countries reiterated their shared commitment to a “strong and mutually beneficial U.S.-Iraq partnership, able to fulfill Iraqi aspirations for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous future and to deliver tangible benefits for Americans and Iraqis alike.”
Discussions took place regarding a “shared aspirational vision” for the Iraqi government to build a future free from “terrorism,” and to implement Iraqi plans for ensuring the complete disarmament and disbandment of all “armed groups and formations operating outside the authority and control of the Iraqi state.”
Barrack’s arrival in Iraq’s capital comes amid warming ties between Baghdad and Washington ahead of Zaidi’s scheduled visit to Washington in mid-July.
Special Presidential Envoy Barrack conveyed that US President Donald Trump “looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Al-Zaidi to the White House mid-July to discuss the future of this important relationship.”
The government program of the newly-appointed Prime Minister Zaidi, approved by parliament in mid-May, reinforces the objectives.
Zaidi emphasized in parliament that his government would pursue security reform through “monopolizing weapons in the hands of the state,” while also strengthening security forces and consolidating citizens’ “confidence in democracy.”
The statement discussed the future of US companies in Iraq and protection mechanisms, as Zaidi reiterated Iraq’s stance in protecting foreign investors in the country.
“The Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to deepening trade and investment relations between the two countries, and Special Presidential Envoy Barrack welcomed this shared approach,” the statement added.
The US special envoy is expected to arrive in the Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil on Tuesday as well.
An informed source told Rudaw on Monday that Barrack is planning to hold several high-level convenings with Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani.
Barrack’s visit comes as the Kurdistan Region continues to face a prolonged political stalemate, with parties unable to form a new cabinet following the October 2024 parliamentary elections.
Similarly, a source from the PUK also told Rudaw on Monday that "Tom Barrack will meet with the PUK leadership as well."
