Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi arrived in New York on Tuesday at the head of the Iraqi delegation to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with a broad political and economic agenda set for the visit.
Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi said talks with the U.S. Secretary of State focused on the future of relations between Baghdad and Washington and ways to expand cooperation in economic and investment fields, particularly through greater U.S. involvement in Iraq’s oil sector and strategic projects.
The discussions also addressed the impact of regional security developments on national economies and global energy markets. Al-Aboudi said Iraq supports diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving sustainable solutions that help secure energy supplies and maintain the flow of Iraqi crude oil to international markets.
He noted that the Iraqi government is targeting crude oil production of 10 million barrels per day by 2030 as part of its plans to develop the oil industry and strengthen Iraq’s role in global energy supplies.
The delegation’s schedule includes meetings with a number of regional and international officials, including the Lebanese prime minister and the secretary-general of the Arab League, as well as the UN secretary-general, heads of government and other international leaders.
Al-Aboudi said Iraq will use its participation in the General Assembly to present its position on regional security and economic developments, adding that the visit follows up on the outcomes of the prime minister’s visit to Washington in July.
He emphasized that Baghdad is moving toward a new phase in its relationship with Washington, with greater emphasis on sustainable economic and investment cooperation as Iraq approaches the September 30 deadline for the end of the international coalition’s mission in the country.
