At a Glance

• Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has left Baghdad for New York to participate in the 81st UN General Assembly.
• Al-Zaidi is expected to present Iraq’s positions on regional and international developments and crises.
• His agenda also includes Iraq’s economic and development challenges and the government’s approach to addressing them.
• The Iraqi delegation is expected to hold bilateral meetings with international leaders on the sidelines of the Assembly.

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has departed for New York to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver Iraq’s address during the high-level General Debate.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Al-Zaidi will present Iraq’s positions on regional and international developments and crises, alongside the government’s approach to addressing economic and development challenges.

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Iraq At The United Nations

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly opened on September 8, with the high-level General Debate scheduled from September 22 to 26 and again on September 28. This year’s session is being held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”

Iraq’s participation comes as the Assembly addresses a wide range of international issues, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, global energy and economic pressures, artificial intelligence, climate change and the future role of multilateral institutions.

Economic And Development Agenda

According to the Iraqi government’s stated agenda, Al-Zaidi will outline measures addressing the country’s economic and development challenges.

The broader economic agenda includes efforts to diversify sources of national revenue, increase domestic production, attract foreign investment and advance economic reforms. Anti-corruption measures and strengthening national sovereignty are also identified among the issues Iraq intends to emphasize.

The economic focus is significant as Baghdad seeks to expand international investment and develop longer-term economic partnerships beyond its traditional dependence on oil revenues.

Bilateral Meetings

The Iraqi delegation is also expected to conduct a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state and government on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

Government spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi said Al-Zaidi’s schedule includes meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and other heads of state, as well as participation in a U.S. Chamber of Commerce meeting focused on economic and trade relations.

The planned Trump meeting would come shortly before September 30, which Iraqi officials have identified as an important point in the transition of the U.S.-Iraq relationship toward longer-term economic cooperation.

Regional And International Position

Al-Zaidi’s UN appearance gives Baghdad an opportunity to present its official positions on regional crises and Iraq’s approach to relations with international partners.

The visit also comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed international diplomatic activity, making Iraq’s emphasis on sovereignty, regional stability and economic cooperation central elements of its international engagement.

FYI

Al-Zaidi’s participation combines Iraq’s diplomatic messaging with an economic agenda aimed at strengthening international partnerships and attracting investment. His planned meetings with global leaders, particularly the expected talks with President Trump, could also provide a platform for Baghdad to discuss the future of the U.S.-Iraq relationship as the country moves toward a greater emphasis on long-term economic cooperation.

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