Trump points to ‘tremendous new chapter’ in ties with Iraq after appointment of new prime minister

The president of the United States, Donald Trump, has congratulated the designated prime minister of Iraq, Ali al Zaidi, and has stated that his appointment to form the new Government in the Asian country represents “the beginning of a tremendous new chapter” between both nations.

“Congratulations to Ali al Zaidi on his nomination as the next prime minister of Iraq. We wish him success as he works to form a new government free of terrorism that can provide a brighter future for Iraq,” the White House tenant said in a message on social networks.

“We look forward to establishing a strong, dynamic and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States,” said Trump, who expressed his desire for bilateral relations to be marked “by prosperity, stability and success like never seen before.”

For its part, Al Zaidi’s office has confirmed that the two had a telephone conversation, in which Trump “formally invited him to visit Washington once the Government is formed”, a fact that has not been revealed by the US president.

“Both have discussed strategic bilateral relations and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields, in addition to affirming joint work and bilateral cooperation to consolidate stability in the region,” he concluded in a statement on social networks.

The president of Iraq, Nizar Amidi, on Monday entrusted Al Zaidi – who previously received the support of the country’s main party, the Shiite Coordination Framework coalition – with the formation of the new government, which must subsequently be approved by Parliament.

Coordination Framework announced former Prime Minister Nuri al Maliki as a candidate in January, but the reluctance of the United States due to its links with Iran finally rejected his nomination, which gave way to support for Al Zaidi. In Iraq there is an agreement in force following the US invasion of 2003 that establishes that the president of Parliament must be a member of the Sunni community, while the prime minister must be Shia and the president must be Kurdish.