Iraq’s new Prime Minister, H.E. Ali al-Zaidi, made his first official visit to Washington, D.C., since taking office two months ago. The visit focused on expanding economic and energy cooperation, attracting investment, and advancing shared security priorities. Representatives from the Kurdistan Regional Government and business community also joined the Iraqi delegation throughout the visit.
KRG Representative to the United States Treefa Aziz joined officials from the Embassy of Iraq in Washington in welcoming Prime Minister al-Zaidi at the airport. The Iraqi delegation included Ms. Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Senior Adviser to KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani for Foreign Affairs and Climate Change, along with government officials and private sector representatives from the Kurdistan Region.
During the visit, Prime Minister al-Zaidi met with President Donald Trump and senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The delegation also held meetings with American companies and institutions to promote cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, investment, and economic development.
U.S. Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack welcomed Ms. Abdul Rahman’s participation in the delegation and highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s important role in Iraq’s future. Following their meeting, Ambassador Barrack stated that the Kurdistan Region “continues to play a vital role in advancing stability, peace, and prosperity across Iraq and the wider region.”
Security cooperation remained a central component of the visit. Following his meeting with Prime Minister al-Zaidi, Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation with the Iraqi Security Forces and recognized the ongoing contributions of the Peshmerga in the fight against ISIS as the U.S.-led coalition transitions its military mission in Iraq.
The visit concluded with the announcement of 48 agreements, memoranda of understanding, and partnership documents between Iraqi and American public and private institutions. The agreements span key sectors including energy, technology, communications, education, agriculture, and industry.
The Kurdistan Region’s participation throughout the visit underscored its continued role as a key partner in strengthening U.S.-Iraq relations and advancing Iraq’s economic growth, security, and regional stability.
