AL-MASHHADANI TO THE AMERICAN DELEGATION: THE UNITED STATES IS ONE OF IRAQ’S MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGIC PARTNERS.
Al-Mashhadani receives US Chargé d’Affaires Daniel Rubenstein and an economic delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Daniel Rubenstein. Rubenstein was accompanied by a large economic delegation from the US Chamber of Commerce, including representatives of 57 American companies, headed by Lotus Steve, and a number of company presidents and investors. The meeting was held as part of the US Chamber of Commerce’s economic conference in Iraq.
Al-Mashhadani affirmed, according to a statement received by Al-Jabal, that “Iraq welcomes all initiatives that contribute to developing its economy and strengthening its international partnerships, particularly with the United States, which represents one of its most important strategic partners in various fields.”
The Speaker of Parliament emphasized “the critical importance of investment in Iraq, particularly in vital and strategic sectors such as oil and electricity, which represent the backbone of the Iraqi economy. He also emphasized the need to stimulate investment in the agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as in service sectors that are vital to the lives of Iraqi citizens, such as the environment, education, and health.”
Al-Mashhadani explained that “the Iraqi Parliament has enacted an investment law that provides a secure and stimulating legal environment for investment, protects investor rights, and encourages transparency and equal opportunities.”
He pointed out that “Parliament, as the ‘house of the people,’ ensures a dignified and safe life for citizens and works closely with the government through effective coordination mechanisms to support development projects and facilitate investment.” He stressed that “the Iraqi Parliament strongly supports the signing of bilateral agreements with friendly countries, which contribute to stimulating economic activity, attracting more foreign investment, and creating new job opportunities that contribute to reducing unemployment and enhancing economic stability.”
According to the statement, Daniel Rubenstein, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad, affirmed “his country’s commitment to supporting Iraq on its path towards economic development and stability, and strengthening partnerships between the American and Iraqi private sectors.”
Lutz Steve, head of the US trade delegation, emphasized that “Iraq represents a promising investment market, and that US companies are looking forward to cooperation opportunities in various sectors, with a focus on creating job opportunities for Iraqi youth and contributing to the development of infrastructure and vital services.”
