Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi held phone discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors. The talks emphasized enhancing economic, trade, and investment ties, alongside collaboration on migration issues, as detailed in a statement from the PM Media Office, received by Iraqi News Agency – INA.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi expressed Iraq’s eagerness to bolster economic collaboration and attract German investments in Iraq. He underscored the government’s initiative to create a joint Iraqi-German fund aimed at financing projects to boost Iraq’s industrial sector. Al-Zaidi reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption and transforming Iraq into an appealing investment destination to diversify the nation’s economy. He acknowledged Germany as a crucial economic partner supporting Iraq.

Chancellor Merz, in response, conveyed Germany’s interest in deepening cooperation with Iraq across numerous fields. He invited Prime Minister Al-Zaidi for an official visit to Germany and reiterated Germany’s backing of Iraq’s economic and financial reform efforts. Merz also highlighted the willingness of German enterprises to invest in Iraq, signaling strong bilateral intentions to enhance mutual economic benefits.