Iraqi PM meets with Iraqi community in Washington DC

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, met with the Iraqi community in Washington DC and other American states on the sidelines of his official visit to the United States.

Al-Sudani conveyed gratitude to the Iraqi communities in the US and throughout the world, emphasizing that Iraq is for all Iraqis and that the country needs the knowledge, experiences, opportunities, and initiatives of Iraqis in the US, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Iraqi Prime Minister indicated that the Iraqi government is working on establishing a department for expatriate affairs to be able to communicate effectively with the Iraqi community around the world.

Al-Sudani noted that his visit to the United States is important to clarify the government’s vision of its relationship with the United States.

“The United States gave Iraq advantages in customs exemptions,” Al-Sudani said. “A memorandum of understanding worth $5 billion has been signed with finance institutions, but all of which are not activated in the strategic framework agreement,” he added.

The Iraqi Prime Minister stated that Iraq is now different from what it was in 2014 because ISIS no longer poses a threat to the country.

“Following the defeat of ISIS, we aim to transition to bilateral ties, including security contacts, with the countries of the international coalition,” the Iraqi Premier explained.

“The government’s initial action was to restructure regulatory bodies, and our efforts to combat corruption are non-violent and professional in nature,” Al-Sudani clarified.

The Iraqi Prime Minister talked about the contracts signed with TotalEnergies and the steps taken by the government to achieve self-sufficiency in gas within three to five years, noting that Iraq will no longer import oil derivatives after 2024.

Al-Sudani also addressed Iraq’s relationship with Iran, indicating that the United States is a strategic partner.

The Iraqi Premier noted the role of the Iraqi private sector, illustrating that the Development Road and Al-Faw Grand Port projects will create a new Iraq.

Al-Sudani elaborated that the Development Road will be the least expensive and fastest route to transport goods to Europe, adding that an initial agreement will be signed during the upcoming visit of the Turkish President to Iraq.