Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani today in Baghdad, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to its strategic partnership with Iraq. During their discussions, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty, while highlighting the U.S. support for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace and stability in the region.
Commitment to Syria’s Political Process
Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States’ support for a Syrian-led political process, one that would lead to an inclusive and representative government. He stressed that any such transition must uphold human rights for all Syrians, including women, minorities, and religious communities, and ensure the protection of Syria’s religious and cultural sites. Additionally, he underscored the critical need for facilitating humanitarian assistance and preventing Syria from becoming a base for terrorism or a threat to neighboring nations.
Continued Fight Against ISIS
A significant part of the meeting focused on ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from regaining strength and destabilizing the broader region. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration in combating terrorist threats, with the U.S. expressing its unwavering support for Iraq’s efforts to prevent ISIS from resurging.
The discussions between Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Sudani reinforced the strong bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Iraq, centered on shared priorities of security, regional stability, and the fight against terrorism.