Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani Receives U.S. Senator Tim Kaine

Baghdad-INA   
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of both the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, at Prime Minister’s residence in Washington D.C., on Wednesday afternoon (Baghdad time).”
 
During the meeting, Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed that his visit included a series of successful meetings with President Biden and other U.S. officials, which are crucial for enhancing the bilateral relations. He outlined the government's vision to develop a sustainable relationship that encompasses all areas including security, which is currently being addressed through systematic foundational work starting with the High Military Commission. HMC is set to discuss the mission of the international coalition and is part of ongoing dialogues between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the Pentagon to define the future security relationship.
 
  Al-Sudani also stated that the Iraq- U.S. Higher Coordinating Committee for the Strategic Framework Agreement has held its first meeting to discuss matters of energy, trade, education, and more, aiming to benefit both countries and strengthen ties between their peoples. He noted that the Iraqi delegation includes private sector businessmen who will meet their counterparts in Washington.
 
The Prime Minister emphasized Iraq's unique position of maintaining excellent relations with both Iran and the United States, which serves regional stability. He discussed the situation in Gaza, reiterating Iraq's consistent and principled stance that has from the outset warned of the severe implications for regional stability.
 
Senator Kaine expressed his pleasure at the meeting, affirming his support for efforts to transition the relationship to address economic, trade, and cultural aspects rather than military ones. He appreciated the mutual steps and understandings being made through bilateral committees, which reinforce the message of friendship and partnership and enhance economic and developmental cooperation between the two countries.