Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi seeks stronger US ties, diaspora investment, and support for strategic oil pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's visit to the United States combined political, economic, and strategic objectives, including efforts to strengthen ties with Washington, attract investment from the Iraqi diaspora, encourage Christians to return to their historic homeland, and advance plans to restore the Kirkuk–Baniyas oil pipeline with US support. During meetings in Washington, al-Zaidi met with representatives of the Iraqi diaspora, Iraqi business leaders based in the United States, a delegation representing the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people, and US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack.