Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Sudani embarks on diplomatic mission to Washington, DC

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani arrived in Washington, DC, commencing an official visit to the United States. Prior to his departure, Prime Minister Al-Sudani underscored the significance of this visit, highlighting its occurrence during a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iraqi relations.

In a press statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Al-Sudani emphasized the urgency of the visit amidst escalating tensions in the region, notably citing concerns over the ongoing conflict in Palestine. He articulated the visit’s objective as elevating bilateral relations to new heights, aligning with Iraq’s strategic agenda focused on financial and economic reforms, alongside international collaborations.

During his scheduled meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, Al-Sudani intends to address the regional escalation, emphasizing shared responsibilities in de-escalation efforts and preventing further conflict proliferation. Additionally, discussions will encompass the timeline for concluding the international coalition’s mission in Iraq and transitioning to bilateral engagements with member countries, as overseen by the Higher Military Committee (HMC).

The Iraqi Prime Minister’s itinerary includes meetings with key U.S. officials, including the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Treasury, as well as the National Security Advisor. Notably, engagements with senior officials from oil companies are also slated, indicating a comprehensive dialogue on economic cooperation.

Furthermore, the visit marks the inaugural gathering of the joint Higher Coordination Committee (HCC), aimed at activating the strategic framework agreement across multiple sectors including energy, banking, transportation, anti-corruption measures, education, culture, and the recovery of Iraqi assets.