The key facts
- On October 26, Ali al-Zaidi met in Amman with King Abdullah II and Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan
- Nine memorandums and programs were signed: competition, environment, education, culture, SME support
- Al-Zaidi proposed creating a free trade zone between the two countries
Visit to Amman and talks
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi arrived in Amman on October 26 at the head of a high-level delegation and held meetings with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, The National reports. The King and al-Zaidi discussed the development of joint action by the neighboring countries, primarily in energy, electrical grid interconnection, transport and security — according to the Jordanian news agency Petra. Al-Zaidi and Hassan then co-chaired expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries, where relations in the fields of energy, economy, investment, trade, industry and security were discussed, the office of the Iraqi prime minister said.
Nine documents signed
According to the office of the Iraqi prime minister, as cited by the Turkish agency Anadolu, nine cooperation documents were signed during the visit. These include memorandums on competition and the prevention of monopolies, environmental protection, consumer rights protection, as well as on documents and archives. Separate agreements concern higher education and scientific research for 2026–2031, cooperation between Jordan's Diplomatic Institute and Iraq's Institute of Diplomatic Service, a mechanism to support small and medium-sized businesses, as well as executive programs for cultural and educational cooperation for 2026–2028. The National lists the same package, adding that the cultural and educational programs run until 2028.
Free trade zone and regional agenda
Al-Zaidi spoke about the importance of establishing a free trade zone between the two countries to boost trade turnover and deepen economic integration, and called Jordan «a strategic partner of Iraq». Hassan, according to The National, noted that the visit reflects the depth of the relations between the neighbors and reaffirmed Jordan's support for the government and people of Iraq. The sides also discussed the regional situation: both emphasized the central importance of the Palestinian issue and the need to protect the rights of the Palestinian people, calling for continued diplomatic efforts and dialogue to resolve crises and conflicts.
