Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is preparing for a visit to Washington next week, where he will meet with top US officials. While security and defense relations will be part of the agenda, the primary focus will be on strengthening economic ties and cooperation in different sectors such as education, environment, and development.
During his visit, Prime Minister Sudani will hold meetings with President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The senior State Department official emphasized that while defense and security will be discussed, the primary focus will be on broader issues that will shape the future of the bilateral relationship.
The high-profile meetings come at a crucial time as both countries are in talks regarding the future of the US-led military coalition in Iraq. Recent tensions between US forces and Shi’ite Muslim armed groups, along with regional conflicts like Israel’s war in Gaza, have added complexity to the discussions. Prime Minister Sudani has previously expressed his desire to see an end to the US military presence in Iraq, a topic that is likely to be addressed during his visit.
The US and Iraq have a complex history, with American troops first invading Iraq in 2003, withdrawing in 2011, and returning in 2014 to combat Islamic State militants. The upcoming discussions in Washington will help define the future of the US-Iraqi partnership, moving towards a new phase of mutual cooperation.
