U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the White House on Tuesday.

Axar.az reports, citing Al Arabia, that the two leaders held talks on expanding U.S. investment in Iraq and strengthening bilateral ties as Washington presses Baghdad to reduce its reliance on Iran.

“We love Iraq, and they’re well represented. This man just won a big election; they’re very well represented. I can tell you that,” Trump told reporters before walking into the Oval Office with the Iraqi premier.

After the meeting, the two leaders spoke to reporters in the Oval Office. Trump said they would continue talks over lunch, which was not originally scheduled.

He heaped praise on the Iraqi prime minister. “This man is going to be a great leader in the Middle East, beyond Iraq. His influence is going to spread all throughout the Middle East,” Trump said.

For his part, al-Zaidi said he was excited to boost ties between Washington and Baghdad.