Iraq
United States President Donald Trump (left) and Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi. Graphic: Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - United States President Donald Trump on Thursday congratulated Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi during a phone call, inviting him to visit Washington following the formation of Iraq’s next government, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.
“Mr. Trump, who congratulated him on his official designation to form the new government, extended a formal invitation to visit Washington following the government’s formation,” the statement said.
It added that the two sides “discussed strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, as well as ways to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors.”
Trump and Zaidi also affirmed their commitment to “joint efforts and bilateral cooperation aimed at promoting stability in the region.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he wished Zaidi success in his “work to form a new Government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq.”
“We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States,” Trump said.
The US president described Zaidi’s nomination as “the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations - Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before.”
"Again, Ali, CONGRATULATIONS!"
Zaidi also received a phone call on Thursday from US Special Envoy to Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, during which they discussed "ways to strengthen" relations between Baghdad and Washington, according to the Iraqi state media.
After prolonged political wrangling, Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework - the largest bloc in parliament, holding 174 seats in the 329-member legislature - named Zaidi as its candidate for prime minister on Monday, a post traditionally held by a Shiite.
Iraq’s President Nizar Amedi the same day tasked Zaidi with forming a new government and presenting his ministerial program to parliament within 30 days, in line with the constitution.
Ali al-Daffayi, a senior member of the ruling bloc, told Rudaw on Thursday that they are “serious” about advancing government formation. He said Zaidi is expected to begin consultations with Kurdish and Sunni Arab parties in the coming days over the distribution of ministerial portfolios.
Updated at 9:26pm
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