Iraqi PM Ali Al Zaidi holds talks in Bahrain in latest regional visit

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi commenced a visit to Bahrain on Wednesday, marking his first trip to the Gulf kingdom since 2003. During his tenure in Manama, Al Zaidi engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, jointly chairing talks aimed at expanding cooperation in economic, political, and social sectors.

Upon his arrival, Prince Salman expressed delight at the historic visit, stating it would pave the way for intensified cooperation and economic partnerships, positioning Iraq as a pivotal player in the region.

Earlier in the day, Iraqi government spokesman Haider Al Aboudi revealed that the prime minister would be addressing matters of political and economic cooperation, as well as regional developments, with King Hamad during his stay. Al Zaidi's itinerary includes subsequent meetings with King Hamad and an anticipated encounter with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This visit is part of an extensive regional tour by Al Zaidi, which also included a recent trip to Jordan, where he met with King Abdullah II amid heightened tensions between Damascus and Amman following Israel's war on Iran. The Iraqi leader's itinerary then led to Damascus, where he held talks with Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, the first such visit since the fall of Bashar Al Assad in 2024.

During this meeting, discussions encompassed trade, investment, border security, and the restoration of organized Shiite pilgrimages to the Sayyida Zaynab shrine near Damascus.