ISTANBUL / Laith al-Janidi / Anadolu

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi will depart for the United States on Monday at the head of a high-level government delegation, in a visit that includes a meeting with President Donald Trump and the signing of memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sectors.

This was reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) quoting government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi on Sunday.

Al-Aboudi said the visit paves the way for a qualitative shift in the relationship between Baghdad and Washington from 'crisis management' to a 'long-term economic partnership.'

He added that the visit 'comes within the framework of developing balanced foreign relations based on common interests, and gains importance in light of regional circumstances he described as sensitive.'

He explained that the two sides will sign 'memorandums of understanding in the oil and gas sectors, in addition to bringing in specialized US companies with the aim of raising production capacity and creating outlets that reduce the impact of the Strait of Hormuz.'

The Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz have witnessed escalating tensions since the outbreak of the US-Israeli military confrontation with Iran on February 28 last, despite Washington and Tehran signing a memorandum of understanding on June 18 last, and the continuation of negotiations between them mediated by Qatar and Pakistan to reach a final agreement.

Follows//