Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – US Special Envoy Tom Barrack met this week with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Baghdad to discuss regional stability, post-withdrawal plans, and bilateral ties.

Following the conclusion of the US-led international coalition’s mission in Iraq on September 30, the discussions turned to diplomacy, investment, and economic cooperation.

The high-level discussions focused on transitioning the US-Iraq relationship away from its historic, purely security-based framework toward a broader, comprehensive economic and institutional partnership.

The two sides discussed regional developments, efforts to reduce tensions, and the situation of armed groups and firearms outside the government’s control.

The discussion was constructive, according to Barrack, who added that leaders who chose the hard route are the ones who build stability.

Both parties stressed prioritizing trade, cross-sector infrastructure projects, and shared economic interests above military arrangements.

In addition to his meeting with Prime Minister al-Zaidi, Barrack spoke with Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.