Baghdad: Minister of Trade Mustafa al-Ani confirmed on Wednesday that the talks at the White House focused on economic cooperation and the future partnership between Baghdad and Washington. He also indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Minister al-Ani highlighted that a key aspect of the visit was a meeting at the White House between Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi and US President Donald Trump. During this meeting, several issues related to cooperation and the future partnership between Iraq and the United States were explored, as well as ways to cooperate and remove obstacles facing American investors.

Al-Ani mentioned that the official government delegation includes a select group of Iraqi business leaders aiming to strengthen communication between the Iraqi and American private sectors. A meeting is also scheduled with the US Chamber of Commerce to discuss a number of shared issues.

Furthermore, meetings were concluded with several American companies to discuss prospects for future cooperation, especially in areas that benefit Iraqi farmers. It was agreed that ideas would be presented for study, discussion, and practical action.

Al-Ani, leading the Iraqi side of the US-Iraq Business Council, emphasized discussions on reactivating and implementing agreements signed between Iraq and the United States. He also affirmed that the talks include a request for US support for Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization, as Iraq has completed all necessary requirements and awaits the organization’s decision on its membership.