US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his hope for a corruption-free and prosperous Iraq, noting that his country will continue its efforts to achieve stability in Iraq and cooperation to confront the Islamic State.
This came during his leadership of his country's team in the strategic dialogue with the Iraqi delegation led by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Washington today.
"We support the Iraqi government by conducting early elections," Pompeo told a news conference after the first session of the dialogue, and that Washington would provide support for this process through the United Nations Mission in Iraq.
He added that Washington is committed to providing support to Iraq, and in this context, he indicated that Washington will provide aid in the form of food and drinking water worth $ 204 million.
He pointed out that the strategic dialogue, which was launched today in its second edition, does not focus only on the presence of American forces in Iraq, but also addresses many political, economic, cultural and other files.
He said that there was talk about cooperation in the energy sector, indicating that deals between US companies and Iraq in the energy sector would soon be announced.
In his speech, Pompeo urged Baghdad to resolve the differences between it and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq.
For his part, the Iraqi minister explained that during his meeting with Pompeo, economic relations were discussed and how to combat Corona.
Regarding the strategic dialogue that began today, Hussein emphasized that there were talks in several areas, foremost among which was the fight against ISIS and confronting terrorism.
He added that during the dialogue, cooperation was discussed in other areas, including projects in the oil and electricity sectors, pointing out that memoranda of understanding and cooperation would be signed in these areas.
He indicated that the dialogue included the fields of health, culture and higher education, expressing his hope for positive results.
Last June, the two countries held a first round of talks within the framework of the so-called "strategic dialogue" via video conference to redraw the relations between the two countries, which were organized by the "strategic framework" agreement signed in 2008.
Al-Kazemi and Trump
Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi arrived in Washington on his first visit, in response to an invitation he received from the White House.
Al-Kazemi will discuss with US President Donald Trump in the upcoming meeting tomorrow, Thursday, the security, energy, health, investment and other files, amid political pressures inside Iraq to discuss the issue of removing US forces from the country.
A statement by the Iraqi government media department stated that the Prime Minister will hold talks with senior US officials during his visit, which will include discussing bilateral relations and enhancing joint cooperation in many areas.
The Iraqi government hopes that cooperation with the United States will be in accordance with common interests and not to interfere in internal affairs.