Biden Hails Iraq Summit to Ease Mideast Tension

U.S. President Joe Biden praised Iraq Summit, affirming that this kind of diplomacy had never been more important as they seek to ease tensions among neighboring states, the White House said on Sunday.

"I congratulate the Government of Iraq on hosting a successful and ground-breaking regional summit today," the statement read.

Biden said the summit is extremely important in expanding cooperation across the Middle East, adding that Iraq’s leadership on this is historic.

Moreover, Biden thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his engagement and support for this summit.

In the same vein, the American President stressed that the United States will continue to stand with Iraq, and work together toward greater stability across the Middle East. "We remain committed to strengthening our bilateral relationship under the Strategic Framework Agreement," he asserted.

The American President also recalled his meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office last month. "We discussed Iraq’s important role in the region and the significant efforts led by the Government of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Regional Government, to improve and strengthen the ties between Iraq and its neighbors."

"Diplomacy must be the first tool of our foreign policy, and we are grateful to have partners who share that vision," the statement concluded.