Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with US President Donald Trump in New York on Tuesday on the sideline of his participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and approaches to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the two countries across political, economic, and investment sectors, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The two sides also reviewed the latest developments in the region, as well as the joint efforts undertaken by Iraq and the United States to enhance regional and international security and stability.

The discussion takes place ahead of a crucial September 30 milestone, which marks a shift in Washington-Baghdad ties toward long-term economic collaboration as the US prepares to end its coalition military mission in Iraq.

Amid continuing negotiations between Iraq and US officials, including a recent meeting between al-Zaidi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Washington pressured Baghdad on its obligations to place weapons possessed by armed factions under state supervision.

In addition to their exclusive bilateral discussion, al-Zaidi attended President Trump’s larger gathering that included leaders from important regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

The larger gathering addressed strategies to coordinate post-war arrangements, protect global commerce supply lines, and develop diplomatic frameworks for Middle Eastern stability.