Iraq and US to boost security ties to prevent ISIS comeback
SMA NEWS – JEDDAH
The US and Iraq agreed on Saturday to increase security ties in order to eliminate a potential ISIS comeback.
The agreement was announced in a joint statement issued after talks between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi in Jeddah, where Saudi Arabia is hosting a summit that brings together leaders of the US, GCC states, Iraq, Egypt and Jordan.
“The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the strong bilateral partnership under the Strategic Framework Agreement and their determination to continue security coordination to ensure that ISIS can never resurge,” the statement said.
The agreement signed in 2008 outlines the basis of relations between the US and Iraq, where there are currently about 2,500 American troops operating alongside several smaller contingents from other countries to train Iraqi forces in the continuing fight against the remnants of ISIS following the defeat of the extremist group in 2017.
“The leaders agreed that the relationship between the US and Iraq is based on a shared interest in Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability and committed to bolstering the bilateral partnership for the benefit of their two nations,” said the statement.
US President Joe Biden sits down with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi
It said Mr Biden and Mr Al Kadhimi discussed a range of regional issues including security, the challenges Iran poses to the region, and energy.
