PM Affirms Government's Path on State Control of Arms and Security Development

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi affirmed Wednesday the government's unwavering commitment to enhancing security forces' capabilities and ensuring all weapons remain under state control. This statement followed Al-Zaidi's meeting, held Wednesday at the US Congress building, with Brian Mast, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and members from both Republican and Democratic parties, during his official visit to Washington. The meeting included discussions on formulating shared, constructive visions for advancing Iraqi-American relations across various levels and sectors. Al-Zaidi stressed the government's dedication to its economic reform program, aiming to revitalize investment-attractive sectors, alongside bolstering security forces and strictly implementing state-only weapon control. He further explained the government's pursuit of balanced foreign relations and efforts to cultivate an inviting investment climate, while reforming financial and banking sectors to facilitate more American companies operating in Iraq. Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee members, in turn, voiced strong support for all economic and political partnerships with Iraq, underscoring the necessity of mutual efforts to fortify relations, expand investments, and foster financing collaborations, recognizing Iraq's pivotal role in regional stability.