Al-Mashhadani and US Deputy Secretary of State discuss Iraq's role in achieving regional security and peace

Baghdad - INA

Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani discussed, on Wednesday, with the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Management, John Bass, and the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf,  cooperation projects that could contribute to achieving sustainable development in Iraq and supporting stability in the region.

The media office of the Speaker of Parliament said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani received, today, Wednesday, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs and Management, John Bass, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Baghdad, Elizabeth Trudeau, and several officials in the US State Department.".

The statement added that "during the meeting, ways to enhance bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States in various political, security and economic fields were discussed," indicating that "the meeting focused on the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two sides, in addition to discussing cooperation projects that could contribute to achieving sustainable development in Iraq and supporting stability in the region.".

The statement continued that "the latest developments in the regional situation in Syria and the developments in the Middle East region, in general, were reviewed, and the need for continuous coordination and cooperation between Iraq and the United States to confront the security and economic challenges that threaten the stability of the region was emphasized.".

Al-Mashhadani expressed, according to the statement, "Iraq's aspiration for strategic cooperation and support for economic projects that contribute to building the Iraqi infrastructure and achieving economic stability and development.".

The media office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives explained that "the pivotal role of Iraq in achieving regional security and peace was discussed, as well as the importance of Iraq being a key axis in resolving regional conflicts, especially in Syria and neighboring countries, and emphasizing the need to preserve the unity of Syrian territory.".

For his part, John Bass stressed, according to the statement, "the United States' commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with Iraq and supporting it in the areas of combating terrorism and achieving security and sustainable development. He also praised the progress made by the Iraqi government in the field of political and economic reforms.".

The statement concluded that "the two sides stressed the importance of strengthening the ongoing dialogue between the two countries in a way that serves the interests of the Iraqi and American peoples, and contributes to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East region."