Strategic Dialogue Solves US Troops Issue in Iraq

The United States and the government of Iraq announced, Thursday, in a joint statement after the launch of their "strategic dialogue" that the U.S. "will continue to reduce" its military presence in Iraq "in the coming months."

The governments of the two countries stated in the statement that "in light of the significant progress made towards eliminating the threat of ISIS, the United States will continue in the coming months to reduce its troops in Iraq.”

[caption id="attachment_131853" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The US and Iraq Hold Strategic Dialogue[/caption]

The Baghdad delegation, headed by Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Karim Hashem Mostafa, and the United States delegation led by Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hill, held discussions of a strategic dialogue in accordance with the Strategic Framework Agreement of 2008 for the  cooperation between the Washington and Baghdad.

The two countries reaffirmed the principles agreed upon by the two sides in the Strategic Framework Agreement. The United States also reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Baghdad and the relevant decisions of the Iraqi legislative and executive authorities.

On economic and energy issues, Washington discussed the provision of economic advisers to work directly with Baghdad to help strengthen international support for reform efforts in Iraq, from international financial institutions, in connection with firm plans to implement basic economic reforms.

Iraq, US Partnership on Various Topics

Regarding the security partnership, the United States will continue over the coming months to reduce troops from Iraq and discuss the status of remaining forces with Baghdad with the two countries transferring their forces to focus on developing a bilateral security relationship based on strong mutual interests.

The two official delegations discussed the possibility of investment projects that include world-class U.S. companies in the energy sector and other sectors, provided that the working conditions are favorable.

The United States has reiterated that it neither seeks nor require permanent bases nor a permanent military presence in Iraq, as was previously agreed in the 2008 Armed Forces Agreement, which provides security cooperation on the basis of mutual agreement.

On its part, the Baghdad government is committed to protecting the military personnel of the International Alliance and Iraqi facilities, which host them in accordance with international law and the specific arrangements for their presence in the manner to be decided by the two countries.

[caption id="attachment_131852" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Iraqi PM[/caption]

On the cultural front, the two governments discussed plans to return important political archives to the Government of Iraq and efforts to increase the capabilities of Iraqi universities. The two sides also discussed plans to return artifacts and the Baath Party archives to Baghdad.

The two governments look forward to in-depth discussions of the above issues at a Strategic Dialogue Higher Coordination Committee meeting in Washington, D.C., likely in July.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of the strategic relationship and their determination to take appropriate steps to enhance it in the interest of both countries and to achieve security, stability, and prosperity in the region. The United States Government welcomed the opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen its partnership with Baghdad as Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi begins his term in office.

The United States, with its international partners, emphasized its continued support for the oil-rich country's electoral preparations, efforts to strengthen rule of law, human rights, and the return and reintegration of displaced people, especially the smaller components of Iraqi society that were targeted for genocide by ISIS.

On economic and energy issues, the two countries recognized the enormous economic challenges facing Baghdad in light of the two crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decline in oil prices, and on the need for Iraq to enact fundamental economic reforms.