Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi proposed a free trade zone with Jordan on Oct. 26, his office said; Petra reported both prime ministers attended a ceremony where nine agreements were signed.
His office said the proposed zone is intended to expand trade and deepen economic ties between the neighbors. The statement named no location and set out no terms for the arrangement.
The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office itemized the package as six memorandums of understanding, one mechanism for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and two executive programs. The memorandums cover competition, consumer protection, environmental protection, diplomatic training, documents and archives, and higher education and scientific research. Petra’s account also listed diplomatic affairs, antitrust, education and business support among the areas covered.
The office assigned 2026–2031 to the memorandum on higher education and scientific research. It said the cultural and educational programs cover 2026–2028.
Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court said King Abdullah II met Ali Zaidi at Basman Palace. Their discussion covered energy, electricity interconnection, transport and security. The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office said the prime ministers discussed energy, the economy and investment.
Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan told Petra that the countries should focus on putting joint economic projects into practice. Petra said the governments agreed on a process to review the projects and coordinate follow-up. The agency gave no start date for that process or deadlines for individual projects.
The Iraqi statement said the delegations discussed regional developments, underscored the Palestinian cause’s central importance and supported diplomatic efforts to address regional crises. It quoted Al-Zaydi calling Jordan “a strategic partner for Iraq.”
The Royal Hashemite Court said Abdullah and Ali Zaidi met in New York on Sept. 22 to discuss energy, the economy, investment and regional stability. The Iraqi office announced no approval or timetable for the proposed zone.
