WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House on Tuesday, praising his election victory and declaring that relations between Washington and Baghdad have become “outstanding.”
“We have a fantastic champion, a new champion, and he won the election very soundly, very conclusively,” Trump said as he met al-Zaidi.
The U.S. president said the leaders would discuss bilateral relations, highlighting Iraq’s vast oil resources and future economic cooperation.
“We’re going to be doing a lot of deals. We’re going to create a lot of jobs for both countries, and we’re going to be taking out a lot of oil,” Trump said, adding that Iraq has “tremendous potential.”
Trump also said the United States no longer needs a military presence in Iraq.
“We’re there to help them. We’re there to protect them, if need be, but we don’t think that’s going to be necessary,” he said.
Reflecting on the 2003 Iraq war, Trump reiterated his long-held opposition to the invasion.
“They attacked the wrong country, and they did a lot of damage,” he said.
Al-Zaidi, who took office in May after succeeding Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, thanked Trump for the warm welcome and said U.S. forces are scheduled to leave Iraq by Sept. 30.
“On the 30th of September, the U.S. forces will be out of Iraq, while U.S. companies will be inside Iraq,” he said, describing the future relationship as one based on economic partnership rather than military engagement.
The Iraqi prime minister also pledged that no armed factions would operate outside state control after the withdrawal.
“We never accept for any entity to carry weapons outside the control of the state,” he said. “After September 30, there is no need for any factions to exist.”
Al-Zaidi said his government views the United States as Iraq’s most important strategic partner and described his visit as the result of a rational assessment of Iraq’s economic needs.
Asked whether Iraq could leave OPEC, he said the country remains committed to the organization but seeks “a fair share” within the oil-producing group.
Source: Saudi Gazette