2024-04-11 22:01:22
A senior US State Department official revealed, on Thursday, that the issue of the American presence in Iraq will be one of several topics that will be included in the talks that the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, will hold in Washington next week, according to what Al-Hurra’s correspondent reported.
In response to a question from Al-Hurra TV regarding whether any position related to the American presence in Iraq will be announced next week by the American and Iraqi sides, the official said that “there will be discussions regarding the American defense and security relationship as part of the discussions.”
“This is likely to be a very important part of our discussions,” she added.
She explained: “We just held, as many of you know, a meeting of senior officials in the Supreme Military Committee on April 8, and this is a process that must be determined between the Iraqis, the United States and members of the coalition how the military mission of the coalition will move according to a timetable based on certain factors. So it is ( “The American military presence in Iraq is not the main focus of the visit.”
The American official confirmed that the visit “works to expand the scope of partnership, relations and areas of cooperation, but it is almost certain that this matter will be discussed.”
The American official expected that “there will be a discussion regarding the importance of good relations between Erbil, the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and Baghdad.”
It revealed progress between the two sides regarding reopening the oil pipeline.
The American official said, “It is important that the pipeline not only be opened, but that there be progress in discussions regarding salaries and budget allocations for Iraqi Kurdistan, that is, the federal budget.”
She added, “We have also been very actively involved in trying to ensure that elections in Iraqi Kurdistan are held in a timely manner, which will help strengthen their democratic institutions, including their parliament.”
The American official confirmed that the Iraqi-American talks will focus on educational exchange, energy and water, commercial investment by American companies in Iraq, and banking reforms.
It will also address cooperation to develop business and investment opportunities, increase commercial and financial transparency, and promote projects that will improve the services provided to the Iraqi people.
The American official said, “There will be an opportunity to talk regarding preserving cultural heritage, climate, and mitigating the effects of climate change through implementing water projects and increasing energy security for us and the Iraqis, as well as helping them in their efforts to build their energy independence in the region and to be able to rely on themselves and their families.” “Their country has the resources to do more of that.”
The American official spoke regarding Iraq achieving progress with regard to electrical energy in terms of connecting Iraq to Jordan and Saudi Arabia and capturing waste gases in the atmosphere.
“We expect that by 2030 Iraq will be in a much better position to have a full range of resources, including largely self-sufficiency if they stay on track,” she said.
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