Baghdad: Parliamentarians and politicians emphasized on Sunday the importance of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly meetings. They viewed the visit as an opportunity to bolster Iraq’s international standing, expand economic ties, and attract global investments and companies. They noted that investment, energy, technology, and infrastructure would be among the key topics Iraq could address during the upcoming meetings in New York.
According to Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s visit coincides with the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, which opened on September 8. The high-level general debate is scheduled to run from September 22 to 28, featuring the participation of heads of state and government, as well as high-level representatives.
Government Spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi confirmed that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi would visit the United States this week to attend the UN General Assembly meetings. The visit will include a meeting with US President Donald Trump and other heads of state. Speaking to Al-Iraqiya News, in comments monitored by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Abboudi stated: “The Prime Minister will visit the United States next week to attend the UN General Assembly meeting and deliver Iraq’s address,” noting that “the visit’s agenda includes meetings with the US President and other heads of state.”
He added that “the Prime Minister’s activities reflect the strategic relations between Iraq and other nations,” pointing out that “the Prime Minister will attend a meeting of the US Chamber of Commerce as part of efforts to sustain economic and trade relations between the two countries.”
Al-Abboudi emphasized that “September 30 marks a significant sovereign milestone, signaling a shift in the relationship with Washington toward long-term economic cooperation.”
MP Shaker Al-Tamimi told INA that “the Prime Minister’s participation in the UN meetings is a positive step that projects a favorable image of Iraq and the new government,” noting that “the Prime Minister’s actions are steadily moving toward strengthening foreign relations with major powers.”
Al-Tamimi added that “the UN meetings offer the Prime Minister an opportunity to meet world leaders and invite them to operate and invest in Iraq in ways that benefit the country and its people, while also strengthening economic ties and opening avenues for global companies to work in the country.”
MP Khalid Sido al-Khalidi told INA that the Prime Minister’s visit to New York and his participation in the UN General Assembly meetings represent a significant political milestone for Iraq. He noted that presence at this international forum enables Baghdad to pursue multiple avenues, ranging from strengthening international relations to presenting its priorities and interests to the global community.
He added that “the importance of the visit lies not merely in participating in General Assembly meetings, but in the potential understandings and agreements that could directly benefit Iraq.”
Political and strategic affairs expert Hussein Allawi told INA that the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States and participation in the UN General Assembly meetings demonstrate progress in foreign policy regarding integration into global issues. Allawi added that meetings with world leaders would allow the Prime Minister to discuss development and investment projects in Iraq and place the country on the international agenda regarding the work of international organizations.
Political analyst Haider Al-Barzanji told INA that the General Assembly meetings are a significant international forum attended by numerous world leaders and heads of state. They provide an opportunity to convey various messages regarding the country’s situation, hold bilateral meetings, and articulate Iraq’s voice and future strategy.
Osama Murtada Al-Saidi, Dean of the College of Political Science at Al-Nahrain University, told INA that “the visit coincides with the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, where monarchs and heads of state deliver speeches outlining their visions and aspirations regarding both domestic and foreign affairs.” He added that “these meetings also represent a vital opportunity to engage with world leaders in this forum, serving as a significant platform for Iraqi diplomacy and for Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to articulate the aspirations and ambitions of the Iraqi people.”