A high-ranking US envoy arrived in Baghdad Thursday to discuss arrangements for the fourth round of strategic dialogue between the US and Iraq, ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi to Washington at the end of July.
Special Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk met in Baghdad with both Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and President Barham Salih.
Iraqi prime minister's office issued a statement announcing that Kadhimi and McGurk discussed "coordination and cooperation in various fields, and preparations for holding the next round of strategic dialogue between Iraq and the United States," as well as "expanding cooperation in the economic, cultural, and trade fields."
During the meeting, the two officials also addressed regional developments, and the region's need for stability and calm, reiterating Iraq's growing role in this regard.
McGurk also met with Salih and discussed their countries' bilateral relations and enhancing political and security ties.
The presidency issued a statement indicating that the meeting also asserted the need to join efforts in the fight against terrorism.
They agreed on further developing their trade and cultural cooperation within the context of the dialogue on strategic issues of common interest and respecting the sovereignty of each state.
Salih stressed that Iraq's security, stability, and sovereignty are imperative in the world for bringing about peace and stability in the region, noting that there should be more regional and international efforts and cooperation to address terrorism, confront climate change, and protect the environment.
