PM's Advisor :The Strategic Framework Agreement between Iraq and USA established the foundation for stable bilateral relations

Baghdad – INA

The Prime Minister's Advisor for Financial Affairs, Mudhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed on Saturday that the Strategic Framework Agreement contributed to strengthening Iraq's financial and banking integration. He also noted that Iraq's relationship with the United States contributed to achieving balance in foreign policy and the economy.

Salih told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Strategic Framework Agreement signed between Iraq and the United States in 2008 formed the basis for the development of paths of stability in bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, and on many axes of joint cooperation, which is important in the relationship with a major country like the United States."

He explained that "the role and importance of the United States in the international coalition forces, through its significant participation in combating ISIS terrorism, is an important element in the process of preserving our country's sovereignty, security, and stability. It provided a solid signal to open the doors of the world to international trade and investment links for Iraq, at high levels, through a large gateway whose title is security, stability, and prosperity with the world."

Salih added, "The agreement was a positive channel for creating an atmosphere of financial and banking relations that charted Iraq's path to integration into the international financial and banking system without fears of international financing, while achieving a high degree of transparency and governance with the international banking market and the international financial and economic community."
He continued, "If the United States is the world's leading energy producer, Iraq is OPEC's second-largest crude oil producer, meaning that our country is a strategic international energy hub, and its security and economic stability will remain essential to international development."

He added, "Since the defeat of ISIS terrorism (and in cooperation with friendly major powers, specifically the United States), our country has been able to pursue a neutral and highly independent policy that seeks to build stable economies in a turbulent world. Iraq is a stable achievement that can be emulated in light of the highly complex regional and international geography and politics." He pointed out that "the friendly and cooperative relations between Iraq and the United States have provided Iraq with two important paths over two decades. The first is achieving balance in Iraq's foreign relations with the United States and not relying on a single axis, or what is called engaging in the policy of axes."

He continued, "The other axis is the role of our country's peace strategy, which has led to reducing regional tensions by building balanced relations with international and neighboring powers, after our country became a highly important international and regional player, credited with providing elements of stability in the region and the world."

The Prime Minister's Advisor emphasized that "the continued improvement of the relationship between Iraq and the United States will continue to contribute to achieving stability and sustainable development, while ensuring that this relationship remains balanced and preserves Iraq's sovereignty and the independence of its national decision-making. This is currently achieved through mutual respect and America's appreciation for Iraq's positive positions and its commitment to building just regional peace, security, and shared development."