USA Iraq News Latest | Mike #Pompeo, Iraqi foreign minister speak to media | Live Stream

[yota691]

USA Iraq News Latest | Mike #Pompeo, Iraqi foreign minister speak to media | Live Stream
2 watching now•Started streaming 7 minutes ago

 

News Update
Newsupdate Live | WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES – U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds a joint media availability with Iraqi Foreign Minister #FuadHussein at the Department of States.

[6ly410]

 

[tigergorzow]

6ly410 Thanks,  Excellent news....😁😁👍👍👌👌🆗🆗💯💯

 

GO RV & RI

[Pitcher]

Thank you Yota and 6ly for keeping us up on this historic visit.  Your efforts are most appreciated.  

[6ly410]

US TO PROVIDE $204M IN HUMANITARIAN FUNDING TO IRAQ: POMPEO

Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo hold a press conference on August 19, 2020 (US Department of State/Facebook/Screenshot)

37 minutes ago

 

SULAIMANI — As Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi begins his first visit to Washington in that role, Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo met on Wednesday (August 19) and discussed security, economic, and political ties between their two countries, as well as regional dynamics.

Kadhimi’s visit also marks the beginning of the second stage of the US-Iraq strategic dialogue, which had a first round of talks in June.

During his remarks, Pompeo announced that the US was providing an additional $204 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq through USAID.

He said, however, that the US looked forward to the day when Iraq would no longer need such assistance “and will be fully supported by foreign investment and their own great work that the Iraqi people do.”

Touching ever so briefly on relations between Erbil and Baghdad, Pompeo said that he urges the federal government “to clinch a budget deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government.”

The US routinely says that it supports efforts by the two sides to resolve their disputes.

Hussein said that the discussions had been wide ranging and productive and that several memorandums of understanding (MOU) would be signed on Wednesday between the US and Iraq on issue including health care, energy, and power production.

Specifically, one of the MOUs will involve a deal with oil giant Chevron to develop Iraq's Nassiriya oilfield.

(NRT Digital Media)

 

 

Edited August 19, 2020 by 6ly410

[6ly410]

 

[6ly410]

IRAQ, CHEVRON SEEN SIGNING DEAL WEDNESDAY: IRAQI FOREIGN MINISTER

Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein faces the news media at the State Department in Washington, US, August 19, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

1 Hours Ago

 

SULAIMANI — Iraq expects to sign an agreement with US oil company Chevron Corp on Wednesday (August 19), Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said, without providing details.

“Regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding or an agreement with Chevron, I believe that it will be signed today, yes,” Hussein told a joint news conference with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Chevron tentatively planned to sign a memorandum of understanding with Iraq to develop one of the country’s large oil fields, citing people familiar with the matter.

Chevron and the Iraqi government are discussing the potential execution of exploration work in Iraq’s southern Nassiriya oilfield, which is estimated to hold about 4.4 billion barrels of crude, the newspaper report said.

On Monday, Chevron said it does not comment on market speculation or matters of a commercial nature.

(NRT Digital Media/ Reuters)

Edited August 19, 2020 by 6ly410

[6ly410]

 BasNews   2020/08/19 - 20:20   Iraq 

ERBIL - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that he had urged the Iraqi federal government to "clinch a budget deal" with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Pompeo made the remarks at a press conference after his meeting with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Washington where they discussed various topics, including the bilateral ties between Iraq and the US.

A statement by the US Department of State noted that Pompeo encouraged Hussein to continue efforts "to address the Iraqi people's demands for a more equitable and just nation, and he expressed support for a budget agreement between the federal and Kurdistan regional governments, as well as proposed early elections next year."

The US top diplomat further noted that Washington was committed to helping Baghdad regain and maintain security, despite the fact that President Donald Trump is willing to "reduce and then eliminate the American troop presence there.

"Good meeting with Foreign Minister Hussein today to discuss the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue. I expressed my support for the government's efforts to address the Iraqi people’s demands for a more just nation and a budget deal for the Kurdistan Region," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

"Today the U.S. announced nearly $204 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Iraq and Iraqi refugees in the region. U.S. leadership in global humanitarian response ensures lifesaving assistance continues to reach vulnerable populations in need," he added.

The US official, however, pointed out that "we want an Iraq that is corruption free, prosperous and fully integrated into the global economy."

Edited August 19, 2020 by 6ly410

[horsesoldier]

Corruption free .... no country on the planet can ( honestly ) lay claim to that.

 

Getting Maliki out of the way though would be an enormous boost to bolster the confidence of those who would invest.

[6ly410]

The turnout of the American voter and his election to Trump depends mainly on Al-Kazemi's visit to Washingtonhttps://www.ikhnews.com/index.php?page=article&id=224228

Baghdad / Al-Akhbariya

Independent MP Ali Al-Badiri said, on Monday, that the American voter's turnout and his election to Trump depends mainly on Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington, revealing that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi met with the heads of political blocs before going to America and will not return with an empty quiver from there.

  Al-Badiri said in a statement followed by Al-Akhbariya, that Al-Kazemi consulted with the leaders of the blocs on the axes of his visit to America and everyone assured that sovereignty is the main focus of the visit, and Al-Kazemi is more aware of what Iraq needs from America.

 He continued, "Trump is trying to persuade the American voter through Iraq and the turnout of American voters in the elections is linked to Al-Kazemi's visit to America," noting that "the prime minister will not return with an empty quiver from Washington."

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi is supposed to leave for Washington in the coming hours, accompanied by a number of ministers and advisors, to meet with US President Donald Trump on the twentieth of this month.

 

[6ly410]

US encouraged Erbil, Baghdad to agree on budget: Pompeo

1 hour ago

 

WORLD

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo speaks during a press conference with Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Washington, DC on August 19, 2020.Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday that he has urged Baghdad to reach a budget deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), drawing attention to a major area of dispute between the federal and regional governments. 

“I urged Baghdad to clinch a budget deal with the Kurdistan Regional Government,” Pompeo said during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Washington, who is in the US as part of the ongoing strategic dialogue talks between Washington and Baghdad. 

His comment comes days after KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced a temporary deal which stipulates that Baghdad will send 320 billion dinars ($270 million) monthly to Erbil in order for the KRG to pay its civil servants. 

Kurdish officials have openly said they cannot pay civil servants without money from the federal government. The KRG has not paid public sector employees on time and in full since Baghdad stopped sending funds in April. Erbil says it is entitled to its 12.67% share of federal funds, as stipulated by Iraq’s 2019 budget law, while Baghdad says the KRG has not lived up to its end of the deal that includes turning over 250,000 barrels of oil daily to Iraq’s State Organization for the Marketing of Oil (SOMO), a state-owned oil company. 

KRG public sector employees have taken to the streets over delays in salary payments. Demonstrations and strikes calling on the KRG's current cabinet to resign have occurred several times in Sulaimani province, while protests by teachers in May over delayed pay in Duhok were shut down.

Baghdad and Erbil have had several meetings to reach a deal which could be used as a basis a new financial agreement. Both governments are experiencing a serious economic crisis due to a dramatic drop in oil prices and the spread of coronavirus.  

US aid to Iraq

Pompeo also announced that his country has devoted half a billion dollars to Iraq in order to help minorities persecuted by the Islamic State (ISIS), and pledged further humanitarian aid. 

"As Iraq moves forward from the ISIS persecution and genocide, the US is helping the most vulnerable, including Christians, Yezidis and Shabak recover.” 

"America and Iraq are in the same trench in fighting ISIS ... We will work together to defeat the terrorist elements and the terrorist fractions,” Hussein added.

"Our contributions come in addition to other humanitarian assistance which we provided to Iraq," he said, adding that the United States Agency for International Development "will provide an additional $ 204 million for life-saving food, safe drinking water and health care for the Iraqi people."

However, he added that US support is being “impeded” by armed militia groups. 

"Armed groups not under the full control of the prime minister have impeded our progress. Those groups need to be replaced by local police as soon as possible. I assured Dr. Fuad [Hussein] that we could help and that we would help."

Armed militias who operate under the umbrella group of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), known in Arabic as Hashd al-Shaabi, are present in many areas traditionally home to minority groups, particularly in the Nineveh plains. The PMF is officially under the control of Iraqi prime minister who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. However, some PMF-affiliated groups do not follow orders from the PM and have been accused of violations in areas disputed by Baghdad and Erbil.

Edited August 19, 2020 by 6ly410

[6ly410]

 

[dinarham]

Wow ! No emty quivers here! and IMF involvment to boot!

[Rochester]

https://media.giphy.com/media/5hdijbS3MDVw0SHWmn/giphy.gif

[Rochester]

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[yota691]

Urgent | Pompeo: We call on Iraq to reach an agreement on the budget with the Kurdistan region

by Editor Urgent 18 Hours ago

Urgent | Pompeo: We call on Iraq to reach an agreement on the budget with the Kurdistan region

[yota691]

Text of the final statement of the meeting of the Supreme Coordination Committee between Iraq and the United States

Thursday 20 August 2020 54

 

Baghdad / morning 

 

Al-Sabah publishes the text of the final statement of the meeting of the Supreme Coordination Committee between Iraq and the United States:      

 

Republic of Iraq - United States  

The meeting of the Supreme Coordination Committee  

August 19, 2020

 

The delegation of the government of Iraq, headed by Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, and the delegation of the United States government, headed by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, held a meeting of the Supreme Coordination Committee today in Washington, DC, in accordance with the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement for a relationship of friendship and cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq. The two sides affirmed their commitment to a strong and fruitful bilateral relationship. Separate sessions covered topics related to economy, energy, health, environment, political and diplomatic issues, security, counter-terrorism, educational and cultural relations.

 

In the economic session, Iraq outlined its ideas for economic reform plans that would unleash faster economic growth and a more vibrant private sector. The United States renewed its support for economic reforms in Iraq and identified areas for cooperation that could help Iraq achieve its plans. The two countries discussed coordination with international financial institutions to help Iraq recover from low oil prices and the Corona virus, and put the country on a more sustainable fiscal path. The two countries also plan to collaborate in the areas of e-government, financial sector reforms, and private sector partnerships to boost trade and investment between the United States and Iraq. Iraq and the United States are looking forward to holding a meeting of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) later this year to follow up on the July 2019 meeting.

 

In the energy session, the United States and Iraq discussed the Iraqi government's efforts to increase domestic electricity and gas production, reduce flared gas waste, and implement energy market reforms. The two governments also plan to hold a meeting of the Joint Energy Coordination Committee soon to discuss these issues in more detail. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Government of Iraq signed sustainable energy agreements with American companies, including General Electric, Honeywell UOP, and Stellar Energy, in addition to memoranda of understanding with Chevron and Baker Hughes, as concrete examples of the energy partnership between the United States and Iraq.

The Delegations of Iraq and the United States indicated the continued cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to develop plans for electricity tariff reforms in Iraq. The two governments plan to continue cooperation with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority on electricity connections in Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and energy investment, and the United States welcomed the progress made in the talks between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the topics of budget and energy. 

 

In the Health and Environment session, the two countries indicated their ongoing partnership in fighting the epidemic and their intention to sign a memorandum of understanding to expand bilateral trade relations in the field of health. 

The two governments also discussed the ongoing cooperation in the fields of environment, water and scientific issues, and planning to hold a separate meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee on these issues.

 

In the political and diplomatic session, the United States reiterated its emphasis on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and the relevant decisions of the Iraqi legislative and executive authorities. The two sides also discussed how best the United States could support the Iraqi government as it prepares for the parliamentary elections, including increasing support for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. The two countries reiterated their support for freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and the need to hold perpetrators of acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators accountable. The United States supports Iraq's efforts to improve its relations with neighboring countries, and plans to assist the Iraqi government in this endeavor. The United States also reaffirmed its continued commitment to support Iraq in providing durable solutions for internally displaced people that are voluntary, safe and dignified, and to assist components that have been at risk of extermination by ISIS. Both sides recognized the need to improve access to humanitarian organizations.

 

In the Security and Counterterrorism session, the United States and Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to achieving common goals through bilateral security coordination and continued cooperation between the Iraqi Security Forces and the US-led international coalition to defeat ISIS. The two delegations praised the increased capabilities of the Iraqi security forces and their joint success in fighting ISIS, which enabled the international coalition to move to a new phase focused on training, equipping and supporting Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi government expressed its gratitude to the international coalition and affirmed its readiness to facilitate this transition and its commitment as a host country to provide protection for coalition personnel and diplomatic facilities in Iraq. In order to adapt to the requirements of this new phase, the international coalition was able to leave some Iraqi military bases and reduce the combat forces in Iraq. The two sides agreed to separate technical talks to manage the times and move to the new phase, including any related redeployments outside Iraq. The American and Iraqi delegations acknowledged the progress made by the Iraqi federal security institutions and the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs in the Kurdistan Region in coordinating their efforts to fight ISIS remnants and discussed ways to enhance this cooperation.

 

In the education and culture session, the two governments discussed past and current US support for Iraq's efforts to promote higher education in cooperation with American universities in Iraq, through the Fulbright Program, and through the Higher Education Partnership Initiative of the US Embassy. The United States and Iraq identified additional ways to support Iraq's plans to address higher education reform priorities and strengthen US-Iraqi university partnerships. The two sides also reviewed the progress made in returning the Ba'ath Party archives to Iraq, considering it an important artifact in the history of Iraq. The two sides discussed joint efforts to preserve Iraq's rich cultural heritage and religious diversity, and reaffirmed their commitment to return Iraqi artifacts that had illegally arrived in the United States to their rightful place in Iraq.

[yota691]

America affirms respect for Iraq's sovereignty ... and intends to expand trade relations in the field of health

The foreign ministers of Iraq and America on the sidelines of the meeting of the Supreme Coordination Committee in Washington, DC

 August 20, 2020 12:10 PM

Mubasher: The delegation of the United States government, headed by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, stressed during the Supreme Coordination Committee meeting in Washington, DC, on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and the relevant decisions of the Iraqi legislative and executive authorities.

The two sides discussed, according to the committee's final statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the best ways in which the United States could support the Iraqi government as it prepares for the parliamentary elections, including increasing support for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.

The statement stressed that the United States supports Iraq's efforts to improve its relations with neighboring countries and plans to assist the Iraqi government in this endeavor. The United States also reaffirmed its continued commitment to support Iraq in providing permanent solutions for internally displaced persons that are voluntary, safe and dignified, and assisting components that have been at risk of extermination before. ISIS organization, and both sides recognized the need to improve access to humanitarian organizations .

In the Security and Counterterrorism session, the United States and Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to achieving common goals through bilateral security coordination and continued cooperation between the Iraqi Security Forces and the US-led international coalition to defeat ISIS.

The Iraqi government expressed its gratitude to the international coalition and affirmed its readiness to facilitate this transition and its commitment as a host country to provide protection for coalition personnel and diplomatic facilities in Iraq, and in order to adapt to the requirements of this new phase, the international coalition was able to leave some Iraqi military bases and reduce combat forces in Iraq.

The two sides agreed to separate technical talks to manage the times and move to the new phase, including any related redeployments outside Iraq.

The American and Iraqi delegations acknowledged the progress made by the Iraqi federal security institutions and the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs in the Kurdistan region in coordinating their efforts to fight ISIS remnants and discussed ways to enhance this cooperation .

In the Health and Environment session, the two countries indicated their ongoing partnership to combat Coronavirus and their intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand bilateral trade relations in the field of health.

The two governments discussed the ongoing cooperation in the fields of environment, water and scientific issues, and planning to hold a separate meeting for the Joint Coordination Committee on these issues .

[yota691]

Iraq signs energy agreements with American companies

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo

 20 August 2020 11:49 AM

Mubasher: The Iraqi government and the government of the United States of America signed several agreements in the field of energy, to agree to intensify cooperation in the field of electricity and gas.

The delegation of the Iraqi government, headed by Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, and the delegation of the United States government, headed by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, held a meeting of the High Coordination Committee in Washington, DC, in accordance with the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement for a relationship of friendship and cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq, according to the statement. The closing issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.

In the energy session, the Iraqi government signed sustainable energy agreements with US companies, including General Electric, Honeywell UOP, and Stellar Energy, in addition to memoranda of understanding with Chevron and Baker Hughes, as concrete examples of the energy partnership between the United States and Iraq .

The United States and Iraq discussed the Iraqi government's efforts to increase domestic electricity and gas production, reduce the waste of flared gas, and implement energy market reforms.

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the two governments are planning to hold a meeting of the Joint Energy Coordination Committee soon. To discuss these topics in more detail.

The two sides affirmed their commitment to a strong and fruitful bilateral relationship, and separate sessions covered topics related to economy, energy, health, environment, political and diplomatic issues, security, combating terrorism, educational and cultural relations .

The Delegations of Iraq and the United States indicated the ongoing cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to develop plans for electricity tariff reforms in Iraq.

The two governments ’plans to continue cooperation with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Interconnection Authority were confirmed. Concerning electricity connections in Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council states and energy investment. The United States also welcomed the progress made in the talks between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on the budget and energy issues .

At the economic session, Iraq presented its ideas for economic reform plans that would unleash faster economic growth and a more vibrant private sector.

 The United States renewed its support for economic reforms in Iraq and identified areas for cooperation that could help Iraq achieve its plans.

The two countries discussed coordination with international financial institutions to help Iraq recover from low oil prices and the Corona virus, and put the country on a more sustainable fiscal path.

The final statement pointed out that Iraq and America are planning to cooperate in the fields of e-government, financial sector reforms and private sector partnerships to enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

The Foreign Ministry noted, in its statement, that Iraq and the United States are looking forward to holding a meeting of the Council of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) later this year. For follow-up to the July 2019 meeting .

[yota691]

Al-Abadi's Alliance: Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington is very important

20 August, 2020 | 2:06 PM   -   Readings: 26 views

 

The Iraqi position network
 

 

The deputy of the victory coalition, Falah Al-Khafaji, considered, on Wednesday, that the visit of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi to Washington is very important to strengthen relations with all countries, indicating that the US forces will not leave Iraq while they are stationed in several bases.

Al-Khafaji said, "Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi is the only one who has the powers to negotiate the issue of whether or not US forces will leave."

He added, "What we hear from American leaders and politicians suggests that their forces remain in Iraq, and we know that the current Iraqi government is willing to keep foreign forces from the country and has said it publicly to some foreign media."

Al-Khafaji pointed out that "some of the Al-Kazemi government ministers are negligent in their work, and some of them have faults, and the next stage will witness the interrogation of a number of them."

[yota691]

An American report .. Mustafa Al-Kazemi is the last and best hope for the United States

20 August, 2020 | 1:20 PM   -   Readings: 5 views

 

The Iraqi position network
 

 

The director of the Middle East Program for the Institute for War Studies, Nicholas Heras, believed, Thursday, that the current prime minister, Mustafa al-Kazimi, may be the last and best hope for the United States of America.

The British newspaper The National quoted Heras as saying, "Al-Kazemi may be the last and best hope for the United States to have an Iraqi prime minister who can assume Iran's influence in Iraq."

He added, "What distinguishes him from his predecessors is that he assumed the premiership with a strong vision of how he wanted to meet the main challenges in Iraq."

Heras said, "Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington comes as a culmination point for the Trump team’s established policy in Iraq to send a signal that the United States has a partner who will work with him eagerly in Iraq and a man that the United States believes can kill the factions that threaten the United States in Iraq and the region."

[yota691]

Pompeo Pledges Continued US Suppor t for Iraq, Won’t Discuss Troop Cuts
610 views•Aug 19, 2020

 

[yota691]

U.S. Announces Humanitarian Assistance for Iraq
1,509 views•Aug 19, 2020

 

U.S. Department of State
185K subscribers
Secretary Pompeo announced that the State Department and USAID will provide an additional $204 million for lifesaving food, safe drinking water, and health care for the Iraqi people.

[6ly410]

Joint Statement by the Governments of the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America

 

 20 Aug 2020 - 12:23 pm 

 

The following statement was released by the Governments of the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America:

Begin text:

The Government of Iraq, led by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and the Government of United States, led by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, held a meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee today in Washington, D.C. as described in the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq (SFA). The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to a robust and productive bilateral relationship. Separate sessions covered economics, energy, health and environment, political and diplomatic issues, security and counterterrorism, and education and cultural relations.

 

In the economic session, Iraq outlined its ideas for economic reform plans that would unleash faster growth and a more vibrant private sector. The United States reiterated its support for Iraq’s economic reforms and identified areas of cooperation that could help Iraq implement its plans. Both countries discussed coordination with international financial institutions to help Iraq recover from low oil prices and COVID-19 and put the country on a more sustainable fiscal path. Both nations plan to cooperate on e-government, financial sector reforms, and private sector partnerships to boost U.S.-Iraq trade and investment. The two governments look forward to holding a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting later this year to follow up on the June 2019 meeting.

 

In the energy session, the United States and Iraq discussed the Government of Iraq’s efforts to increase domestic electricity and gas production, reduce wasteful gas flaring, and implement energy market reforms. The two governments plan to hold an Energy Joint Coordination Committee meeting soon to discuss these topics in more detail. On the sidelines of today’s meeting, the Government of Iraq signed substantial energy agreements with U.S. companies, including General Electric, Honeywell UOP, and Stellar Energy, as well as Memoranda of Understanding with Chevron and Baker Hughes, as concrete examples of the U.S.-Iraq energy partnership. Iraq and the United States noted ongoing cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to develop plans for electricity tariff reform in Iraq. The two governments plan to continue cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member-states and Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority on Iraq/GCC electricity connections and energy investment. The United States welcomed the progress in the talks between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government with regard to budgetary and energy issues.

 

In the health and environmental session, the United States and Iraq noted their ongoing partnership to combat COVID-19 and their intent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand bilateral health trade. The two governments also discussed ongoing cooperation on environmental, water, and scientific issues and plan to hold a separate Joint Coordination Committee meeting on those topics.

 

In the political and diplomatic session, the United States reaffirmed its respect for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and relevant decisions of the Iraqi legislative and executive authorities. The two sides discussed how the United States could best support the Iraqi government as it prepares for parliamentary elections, including by increasing support for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. Both nations reiterated their support for freedom of expression and media freedom, and the necessity to hold accountable the perpetrators of violence against peaceful protesters. The United States supports Iraq’s efforts to improve relations with its neighboring states and plans to assist the Iraqi Government in this endeavor. The United States reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Iraq in advancing durable solutions for internally displaced persons that are voluntary, safe, and dignified, and to help those communities that have been targeted for genocide by ISIS. The two sides recognized the need to improve access for humanitarian organizations.

 

In the security and counterterrorism session, the United States and Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to achieving common objectives through bilateral security coordination and continued cooperation between the Iraqi Security Forces and the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The two delegations praised the growing capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces and their joint success in the fight against ISIS, which has enabled the Global Coalition to transition to a new phase focused on training, equipping, and supporting the Iraqi Security Forces. The Iraqi government expressed its gratitude to the Global Coalition and asserted its willingness to facilitate this transition and confirmed its obligation as host country to provide protection for the Coalition’s personnel and diplomatic facilities in Iraq. Adapting to the requirements of this new phase, the Global Coalition has been able to depart from some Iraqi military bases and reduce combat forces in Iraq. The two sides plan on separate technical talks to manage the timing and transition to the new phase, including any associated redeployments from Iraq. The U.S. and Iraqi delegations recognized the progress of the Iraqi Federal Security Institutions and the Kurdistan Regional Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs in coordinating their efforts to combat ISIS remnants and discussed ways to further this cooperation.

 

In the education and culture session, the two governments discussed both past and current U.S. support for Iraq’s efforts to strengthen higher education in cooperation with American universities in Iraq, through the Fulbright program, and through the U.S. Embassy’s Higher Education Partnership initiative. The United States and Iraq identified additional ways to support Iraq’s plans to address higher education reform priorities and strengthen U.S.-Iraqi university partnerships. The two sides also reviewed progress in the return of the Baath Party Archives to Iraq as an important artifact of Iraq’s history. The two delegations discussed their mutual efforts to preserve Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and religious diversity and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating in the return of Iraqi cultural property illegally imported into the United States to their rightful place in Iraq.

[6ly410]