Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, along with a high-level delegation, has embarked on a journey to the United States, according to a statement released by his office today. The delegation comprises government officials, members of parliament, and representatives from the private sector.

This significant diplomatic engagement follows an official invitation from US President Joe Biden, marking a pivotal moment in the relations between the two nations.

Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Foreign Relations Office of the Kurdistan Regional Government, is notably among the members of the delegation, signaling the importance of Kurdish interests in the upcoming discussions.

Top of the agenda during the visit will be the status of US military presence in Iraq and the role of the international coalition in the fight against terrorism. Additionally, talks are expected to center around the export of oil from the Kurdistan Region to global markets, a topic of vital importance for both Iraqi and Kurdish authorities.

In a statement on its official website, the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) emphasized the significance of potential agreements on oil production and exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. This move, it suggests, could pave the way for increased foreign direct investment in Iraq.

Myles B. Caggins III, spokesman for APIKUR, highlighted the importance of a robust oil and gas sector in attracting foreign investment, benefiting all Iraqi citizens and removing barriers to investment in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The upcoming discussions between Iraqi and US officials hold the promise of addressing key issues and fostering greater cooperation between the two nations for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.