Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the press following his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani. Reflecting on his long-standing engagement with Iraq, Blinken expressed his admiration for the noticeable improvements in the country’s infrastructure, noting the vibrancy and progress in Baghdad, from the bustling streets to the growing opportunities for Iraqis to build better lives. He highlighted the importance of Iraq continuing to have the space and support to achieve these goals, emphasizing the positive changes and the hard work done to improve services for the Iraqi people.
Focus on Syria and Regional Stability
Secretary Blinken stressed the shared conviction among regional and international partners that Syria must transition from the Assad dictatorship to a democracy that ensures the protection of minorities, the establishment of an inclusive, non-sectarian government, and the prevention of the country from becoming a base for terrorism. Given Iraq’s proximity and experience with the ongoing presence of ISIS (Daesh) in Syria, Blinken underscored the importance of ensuring that ISIS does not resurface. He emphasized the success the U.S. and Iraq had in dismantling ISIS’s territorial caliphate and reaffirmed the commitment to preventing its re-emergence.
U.S.-Iraq Cooperation on Security and Sovereignty
In his remarks, Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Iraq’s security and sovereignty, stressing the critical role of Iraq in maintaining regional stability. He acknowledged the importance of Iraq’s role in supporting the Syrian people as they emerge from the years of Assad’s regime and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to strengthen Iraq’s security moving forward.
Blinken also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with both diplomats and military personnel, thanking them for their work in Iraq and for their dedication to U.S. efforts in the region. He looked ahead to future discussions, including a meeting the next day in Aqaba with colleagues from across the region, including Iraq’s foreign minister.
Secretary Blinken’s visit continues the U.S. commitment to fostering stronger ties with Iraq while addressing critical regional challenges.