Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, on Monday, during his meeting with US President Joseph Biden at the White House, confirmed the seriousness of the Iraqi government in activating the strategic framework agreement, indicating that the military deal between Iraq and the United States was within the framework of the war on ISIS.
“Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met this Monday evening Baghdad time, US President Joseph Biden at the White House in Washington, which he arrived on an official visit,” the Prime Minister’s Information Office said in a statement to Shafaq News.
He added that “the meeting witnessed the discussion between the two sides on various issues and bilateral files, and the file of the transition of the relationship between Iraq and the United States to a sustainable partnership, on economic bases, and within the path of bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially as Iraq is witnessing a recovery and growth of the construction movement, as the wheel of economy and reconstruction is moving.”
In a statement in the presence of the US President, Al-Sudani pointed out “the importance of this visit, which comes in a sensitive and accurate circumstance for Iraq and the region and the developments in the situation in it, stressing the need to work on non-escalation, support stability efforts, stop aggression and protect civilians, especially after the thousands of victims of Palestinian children and women.”
For his part, President Biden welcomed the official visit to the Sudanese, expressing his appreciation for “the approach of the Iraqi government seeking to strengthen the Iraqi economy and achieve growth, especially in the field of energy, pointing out that the partnership between Iraq and the United States is central, and important to the two friendly peoples.”
The following is the most prominent statement of the Prime Minister:
- – Thank you for the invitation that came at a sensitive and accurate time and despite the internal concerns and developments in the situation in the region.
- – This visit is important in the relationship between the two countries, which is witnessing an important turn.
- – We are looking at the sustainable and key foundations of a comprehensive and long-term partnership with the United States.
- – We aim to move from a relationship of a security and military nature, in a smooth, systematic and deliberate manner, to a relationship based on the basis of the economy, cultural and political fields in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement.
- – The war on ISIS has been the basis of dealing between Iraq and the United States over the past years, we fought together and we won over terrorism.
- – Victory was important over ISIS, and it was achieved due to the sacrifices of the Iraqi people, the solidarity of its components, and the support of the international community and friends from outside the international coalition.
- – Iraq today is going through the phase of recovery and is witnessing development projects and urban development.
- – We will discuss the sustainable partnership, based on the Strategic Framework Agreement, and develop the sound methodology for military transition through the Bilateral Military Committee.
- – The bilateral military committee will assess the military situation, operational conditions and the development of the capabilities of the security services, and we will abide by the outputs of this committee.
- – We are discussing, within the framework of the Commission, security cooperation and sustainable bilateral partnership between Iraq and the United States on the military side.
- – Currently, the Supreme Coordinating Committee is holding its first meeting on the Strategic Framework Agreement, and our government is serious about achieving and activating this agreement, and it has many benefits that will be in favor of the two friendly countries.
- – Our presence here in Washington carries Iraqi concern, and the desire to advance the reality of our country and provide a decent living, services and prosperity for an ancient people and a great country like Iraq.
- – Nothing spares us from our humanitarian obligations to various issues, especially what is happening in the region.
- – In a spirit of frankness and partnership, we may differ in some assessments of the issue that currently exists in the region, but we agree on the principles of international law, international humanitarian law, the laws of war, and the principle of protection.
- – We reject any attack on civilians, especially women and children, and urge adherence to international laws and norms in protecting diplomatic missions.
- – Humanity today needs an international order that respects these principles and values.
- – If we remain silent on what is happening, we will decide these precedents, and they will be worked out and traded, whether they are good or bad precedents.
- – We are very interested in stopping this devastating war, which has lasted for the past six months and has killed thousands of innocent Palestinians, women and children.
- – We encourage all efforts that contribute to stopping the expansion of the conflict arena, especially the recent developments that we hope that all concerned parties will commit to de-escalation in order to maintain security and stability.
