Riyadh, 9 June 2023 (TDI): On Thursday, 8 June 2023, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, engaged with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the International Coalition Against ISIS in Riyadh.
US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement
The respected ministers comprehensively reviewed their bilateral relations. Both sides showed their firm commitment to the principles in the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.
US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement was a bilateral accord for peaceful and friendly relations between the two countries. It consists of the guiding principles of cooperation in various fields, including economics, politics, and security in US-Iraq relations. Both countries inked the agreement in 2009.
Energy consultations
Secretary Blinken noted the efforts of Iraq to become self-sufficient in its power and energy needs. He appreciated the continuous endeavours of Baghdad to innovate in its energy sector to keep up with its future demands.
The secretary expressed US support for the revival of the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline and urged them to find a possible solution.
Issues of common interest
Both leaders discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern. They emphasized not only the need to prevent any escalation but also the promotion of peace in the region. Secretary Blinken said that we are committed to assisting Iraq to build a secure future. He also affirmed US firm support to Iraq in the fight against ISIS.
Support to Iraq
US secretary underscored the country’s support for democracy and political stability in Iraq. He encouraged communication and joint work between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional government.
The stable relations between the two will not only boost the power and status of Iraq but also brings stability to the Middle Eastern region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein noted that Iraq had improved its security with the United States’ help in the past. Now the US is playing an important role in improving our economy, he added.
