Shafaq News- Washington/ Baghdad (Updated at 22:20)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged the formation of a new Iraqi government “free of terrorism” during a call with Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, while congratulating him on his nomination.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States. This is the beginning of a tremendous new chapter between our Nations — Prosperity, Stability, and Success like never seen before. Again, Ali, CONGRATULATIONS!”
Earlier, Trump congratulated al-Zaidi, during a phone call, on his formal nomination and extended an invitation to visit Washington after forming the government.
According to a statement, the two sides discussed bilateral strategic relations and ways to expand cooperation, while reaffirming joint efforts to support regional stability.
The call came about an hour after al-Zaidi received a similar call from US envoy Tom Barrack, who also conveyed congratulations and discussed strengthening ties between Baghdad and Washington.
Moreover, the European Union Mission in Iraq welcomed al-Zaidi’s nomination, stressing the need to accelerate government formation to address pressing challenges facing the country.
Al-Zaidi’s nomination follows weeks of deadlock within the Shiite Coordination Framework, the largest bloc in parliament, which holds about 162 of parliament’s 329 seats, after outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former premier Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race.
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