Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi emphasized that his upcoming trip to Washington is not just a routine protocol visit, noting that Iraq prioritizes American companies in the energy, communications, technology, and development sectors.

Al-Zaidi will make an official visit to Washington, D.C., in mid-July following a White House invitation from President Trump.

The trip, first announced by the Iraqi government earlier this month, was later publicly confirmed by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack.

The prime minister told Sky News Arabia that the visit represents "the announcement of a new phase of partnership," adding that the United States is a strategic partner for the country's economic development.

Al-Zaidi Targets 'Economic Bridge' With U.S. 

Al-Zaidi stressed that the next phase of the partnership will focus on economic, investment, and development cooperation to transition from a military alliance to a sustainable economic bridge that serves both nations.

He confirmed that he directed the Ministries of Oil, Electricity, and Communications to prioritize U.S. companies in the energy, communications, technology, and development sectors.

The Ministerial Council for the Economy has made key decisions regarding major oil projects, he highlighted, while granting international firms like Chevron, Halliburton, and HKN Energy opportunities in new fields and exploration blocks.

Starlink License to Boost Iraq's Digital Infrastructure 

Al-Zaidi stated that the communications sector is moving toward strategic cooperation with Starlink to strengthen Iraq’s digital infrastructure.

Iraq officially approved Starlink's operating license on June 16 to strengthen the country's digital infrastructure and expand high-speed internet access.

$400B Energy Fund Proposal With U.S. to Boost Oil Production 

Al-Zaidi said Iraq will discuss an Energy and Development Fund project with the United States to scale oil production up to two million barrels per day, potentially outside OPEC quota constraints. The fund's accounts will be held at reputable American banks to directly finance infrastructure and electricity projects with U.S. companies.

The Prime Minister stated that the fund's financing could reach approximately $400 billion over three decades, with gradual growth tied to project performance and the implementation speed of the involved companies.

"Our goal is to rebuild the infrastructure damaged over the years by investing these resources in development projects," he remarked.

Iraq Eyes Bigger Oil Output 

According to Al-Zaidi, Iraq is working to secure a fair oil production share within OPEC that aligns with its true capabilities.

Earlier, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil denied reports of a potential OPEC withdrawal, reaffirming its commitment to the group. It confirmed that Iraq is using official technical channels to gradually end voluntary cuts and restore its production baseline over the coming months.