Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi to meet Donald Trump at White House

Al Kadhimi set to extend visit to Washington that will define US-Iraq ties

 Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Baghdad on August 17, 2020, before his visit to the United States.  AP Photo

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi will extend his visit to Washington to meet members of the US Congress, an Iraqi official said on Thursday.

Mr Al Kadhimi arrived in the US capital on Wednesday and was scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss security, economic and cultural ties between Washington and Baghdad.

The visit aims to wrap up a strategic dialogue launched in June to define the future of US-Iraqi relations.

“The prime minister has agreed to a request from leaders and members of the US Congress to extend his visit to the United States because they wanted to meet him in person,” Ahmed Al Rakabi, an adviser to the prime minister, said.

Mr Al Kadhimi is the highest-ranking Iraqi leader to visit Washington since 2017. He will also become the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that has largely halted international travel, a nod to the importance the Trump administration places on good ties with Iraq.

Experts say that the two governments have limited time to work on joint projects.

"The US is having an election this November with a potential to change the administration in January, and the length of PM Al Kadhimi's term in office is unknown," Abbas Kadhim, the director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, told The National.

"Therefore, both sides are advised to focus on immediate and urgent challenges and aim at cultivating short-term results while setting the stage for long-term co-operation for subsequent administrations," Mr Kadhim said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Wednesday for talks on diplomatic issues, energy, education, security and cultural relations.

Mr Pompeo said the US would help Iraq rid itself of rogue militias, whilst urging officials to intensify efforts to contain pro-Iran groups.

On the economic front, the two countries are co-ordinating with international financial institutions to help Iraq cope with the drop in oil prices as well as the coronavirus pandemic, the State Department said.

The two sides want to boost trade and investment, and work to increase Iraq’s domestic electricity and gas production, according to a statement released by the department.

Mr Pompeo said the US was giving an additional $204 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraqi citizens, Iraqi refugees and communities hosting refugees.

“We're committed to helping Iraq achieve economic prosperity, freedom from foreign meddling in its internal affairs, and improve relationships with its neighbours as well,” Mr Pompeo said.

“This is what the Iraqi people want too, a stable, prosperous, independent Iraq.”

Mr Al Kadhimi has already taken steps against corruption and against militias since assuming office in May, drawing praise from US officials.