Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Amman on Monday, October 26, 2026, for an official visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties. During the trip, Iraq and Jordan signed nine memoranda of understanding and executive programs to expand cooperation between the two nations. The agreements were finalized as part of formal discussions held between the visiting Iraqi delegation and Jordanian officials. These accords aim to formalize joint efforts across multiple sectors, building on existing diplomatic relations. Both countries intend to implement these measures following the conclusion of the signing ceremony.
Diplomatic Meetings in Amman
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi conducted formal meetings in Amman on 26 October 2026 to discuss the expansion of regional cooperation. During his visit, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held private consultations with Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. These discussions focused on the implementation of the nine memoranda of understanding signed between the two nations earlier in the day.
Following these talks, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with King Abdullah II to review the progression of bilateral relations. The meeting between the Iraqi head of government and King Abdullah II addressed the ongoing coordination between Iraq and Jordan regarding the newly established executive programs. Both leaders assessed the potential impact of these agreements on the existing partnership between their respective countries. The discussions concluded with a commitment to maintain diplomatic channels as the signed measures move toward implementation.
Scope of New Agreements
The nine signed memoranda of understanding and executive programs encompass cooperation across economic, diplomatic, educational, and cultural sectors. Iraqi and Jordanian officials intend for these agreements to provide a structural framework for engagement in areas ranging from institutional training to academic and cultural exchange. Representatives from the Foreign Service Institute and the Diplomatic Institute are expected to coordinate on the implementation of the diplomatic training components outlined within these accords.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi proposed the creation of a joint free zone to increase the commercial volume between Iraq and Jordan. During the formal discussions held in Amman on 26 October 2026, the Iraqi leader noted that such a facility would facilitate trade and streamline the movement of goods between the two neighboring markets. Officials from both delegations began reviewing the potential logistics for this zone to determine how it would integrate with existing trade policies and border regulations.
Diplomatic engagement remains a priority for the Iraqi government as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi prepares for his next official stops. The current visit to Jordan serves as the initial leg of a regional tour. Following the conclusion of his activities in Amman, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has scheduled planned visits to Lebanon and Syria to conduct similar high-level discussions. These subsequent trips will address bilateral concerns and regional cooperation, continuing the diplomatic outreach initiated during his time in Jordan.
