ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Wednesday departed Baghdad for Bahrain’s capital, Manama, on an official visit to discuss political and economic cooperation, regional developments and efforts to ease tensions, the Iraqi government spokesperson said.
Haider al-Aboudi said Zaidi will meet with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa in Manama to discuss bilateral relations and ways to support political solutions to regional disputes.
“The visit reflects a clear vision for foreign relations that opens multiple avenues based on mutual interests and mutual respect,” Aboudi said in a video statement released by the prime minister’s office.
The Bahrain visit follows a series of diplomatic trips by Zaidi since taking office, including visits to Washington, Ankara, Tehran, Paris, Berlin, Doha, Riyadh, Amman and Damascus.
His first major foreign trip was a weeklong visit to Washington in July, where he met with US President Donald Trump and discussed expanding economic cooperation, particularly in energy, electricity and infrastructure.
Aboudi described the Wednesday visit as part of the Iraqi government's policy of “balance and openness,” aimed at strengthening ties with Arab countries and expanding cooperation with regional and international partners in line with Iraq's interests and regional security.
In September, Zaidi visited France and Germany, where Iraq signed six memorandums of understanding with France covering several sectors, including air defense, aviation and energy. The European tour was part of Baghdad's efforts to attract investment and expand international partnerships.
Last month, Zaidi made his first visit to Damascus as prime minister, meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss economic and security cooperation, border security, trade and potential oil export routes.
