Washington:Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has expressed Iraq’s intent to enhance economic and trade cooperation with the United States, aiming to increase bilateral trade.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hussein met with U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Mike Needham in Washington, accompanied by officials from the U.S. National Security Council. During the meeting, Hussein expressed gratitude for U.S. support in Iraq’s battle against ISIS and emphasized the importance of deepening the historic ties between the two nations.

The discussions covered post-military mission plans of the international coalition, with Hussein highlighting Iraq’s strategy to ensure state control over weapons and that decisions on war and peace are made by constitutional institutions. There was also talk of building a comprehensive framework for Iraqi-U.S. relations across political, security, military, economic, and trade domains.

Both sides discussed reinforcing state authority and encouraging political engagement over violence, supporting stability in Iraq. The meeting also touched on the intricacies of Iraqi-Iranian relations due to their shared border and interconnected issues.

On economic matters, Hussein reiterated Iraq’s desire to expand trade with the U.S. and attract further American investment, particularly in oil, gas, and energy sectors. Additionally, they discussed Iraqi oil exports, the significance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the need to diversify export routes to enhance energy security.

The conversation also covered Iraq’s political process, with an emphasis on completing government formation to bolster state institutions and address various challenges. Needham emphasized the importance of ongoing direct communication and invited Hussein to visit Washington regularly to facilitate this dialogue.