Iraq, U.S. Sign 48 Agreements During Prime Minister Al-Zaidi's Washington Visit

Iraq and the United States signed a total of 48 agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), cooperation deals, and partnership declarations during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington, with a significant number of the agreements focused on the energy sector, particularly oil, the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office said on Saturday.

The agreements come as Iraq seeks to rebuild its economy after decades of conflict and political instability. Despite its vast oil wealth, the country continues to face major challenges, including aging infrastructure, weak public services, poor governance, and widespread corruption.

Recent disruptions to oil exports caused by regional conflicts in the Middle East have also put pressure on Iraq's revenues, increasing the need for foreign investment and international partnerships.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said the agreements involve both government institutions and private-sector companies from Iraq and the United States.

Among the key deals are cooperation and partnership agreements between Iraq's Ministries of Oil and Electricity and several major U.S. companies, including ExxonMobil, KBR, GE Vernova, Shell, and Halliburton.

The two sides also reached several agreements related to the construction of a major crude oil pipeline connecting Iraq and Syria, a project aimed at strengthening regional energy infrastructure.

In the technology sector, Iraq signed an agreement with satellite internet provider Starlink to launch its services in the country, expanding broadband connectivity.

Trump Calls Iraqi Premier a "Champion"

During a meeting at the White House on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump described Prime Minister Al-Zaidi as a "champion."

Al-Zaidi, a businessman-turned-politician, became Iraq's prime minister earlier this year with U.S. backing after Trump rejected the nomination of another candidate, according to the report.

Since taking office, Al-Zaidi has pledged to strengthen Iraq's fragile economy and move to disarm Iran-backed armed groups that have launched attacks on U.S. facilities in the country.

Iraq has long pursued a balancing strategy in its foreign policy, seeking to maintain diplomatic relations with both the United States and neighboring Iran despite their longstanding regional rivalry.