At a Glance

• Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Steven Fagin in Baghdad.
• Talks covered bilateral relations and ways to strengthen economic and financial cooperation.
• Sari urged U.S. oil and energy companies to accelerate projects in Iraq.
• Fagin described the Iraqi government delegation’s July visit to Washington as “very successful.”

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Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Steven Fagin to discuss strengthening economic and financial cooperation and accelerating American investment projects in Iraq.

Al-Sari said Iraq’s foreign relations are guided by its national interests, while calling for balanced ties with Washington based on shared interests.

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Key Statements

“Iraq’s engagement in its relations with various countries is based on the country’s higher interests.”

— Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari

“We are keen for Iraq’s relationship with the United States to be balanced and based on the shared interests of both countries.”

— Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari

“We call on American companies operating in the oil and energy sectors to accelerate the implementation of their projects in Iraq.”

— Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari

“The visit was very successful.”

— U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Steven Fagin, referring to the Iraqi government delegation’s July visit to Washington

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Economic Cooperation

According to Iraq’s Finance Ministry, the meeting reviewed bilateral relations and ways to expand economic and financial cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.

Sari urged U.S. companies active in Iraq’s oil and energy sectors to move more quickly with their projects, saying greater investment would support foreign capital inflows and the development of vital sectors of the Iraqi economy.

The meeting also focused on building on the outcomes of the Iraqi government delegation’s visit to Washington in July.

Fagin described that visit as “very successful” and stressed the importance of using its results as a foundation for further cooperation between the two countries.

Iraq’s Foreign Relations

Sari emphasized that Baghdad’s engagement with different countries is based on Iraq’s national interests. He also said the government seeks a balanced relationship with the United States centered on mutual interests.

The comments come as Iraq continues to pursue foreign investment and economic partnerships while seeking to strengthen its energy sector, attract international companies and expand economic cooperation with major partners.

FYI

The meeting links Iraq’s broader economic priorities with its strategic relationship with Washington, particularly in the energy sector, where U.S. companies have a longstanding presence. Accelerating investment projects could carry significance for Iraq’s oil and energy development, while Baghdad’s emphasis on balanced relations reflects its stated approach of maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with multiple international partners.

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