Elena Romanowski: Our security relationship with Iraq focuses on supporting building the capabilities of its forces 

Baghdad - INA


The US Ambassador,  Elena Romanowski, confirmed today, Thursday, that the security relationship with Iraq has been transformed under the Strategic Framework Agreement to focus on supporting capacity-building of its forces and providing advice.

"The first five weeks of my work in Baghdad were fast, and the country's leaders welcomed us, and we discussed the development of bilateral relations in various fields, and the economic aspect was present," Romanowski said during her speech to a special interview program broadcast by IMN (Iraqi Media Network)and followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

She added, "My main task is to support the common goals included in the Strategic Framework Agreement, and some of its clauses have been activated, including transforming our mission in Iraq into a non-combat."

Romanowski also added, "Our security relationship with Iraq focuses on supporting building the capabilities of its forces and providing advice to ensure the permanent defeat of the terrorist ISIS gangs, and we will continue on this aspect, as well as activating cooperation in aspects of education and cultural exchange between universities and research centers."

The US ambassador indicated that "the challenge of ISIS still exists, as these gangs still form enclaves inside Iraq and are trying to recruit the second generation by training more elements in Syria, where they are there, and we must cooperate with the Iraqi side and remain vigilant."

"The United States welcomes the return of displaced women and children to Iraq and the international community supports the Iraqi government's support and rehabilitation process,".

On the economic front, Romanowsky said, "The United States supports Iraq's efforts to contribute to international trade and to be an active player in the Middle East, and supports the development of the private sector and supports emerging and small projects."

Furthermore the US Ambassador added that "the United States supports Iraq's economic integration with the countries of the region through the upcoming summit that will be held in Saudi Arabia and includes the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council in addition to Iraq, Jordan and Egypt, and in the presence of US President Joe Biden."