US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani have agreed to strengthen bilateral communication and cooperation. Their discussion emphasized future relations and ways to enhance collaboration, with a focus on transitioning the US mission timeline and reinforcing security against ISIS. The US will maintain troop presence while continuing coalition operations in Syria.
In a recent phone conversation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani discussed the enhancement of communication and the strengthening of ties between the United States and Iraq. This dialogue focused on the entirety of US-Iraq relations, exploring avenues for improvement and development.
The discussion also addressed coordination with the new US administration and the establishment of frameworks for mutually beneficial bilateral agreements. Both officials acknowledged existing progress in their joint initiatives across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of continued communication and cooperation.
On September 27, the two nations agreed to a timeline for concluding the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq, to be finalized within 12 months, targeting completion by September 2025. The focus will shift towards reinforcing bilateral security ties that bolster Iraqi forces and simultaneously apply pressure on the ISIS (Daesh) terror organization.
Furthermore, operations of the coalition’s military in Syria will persist from a base sanctioned by the High Military Commission until September 2026, aimed at preventing a resurgence of ISIS threats in northeastern Syria. Currently, around 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq as part of an international coalition formed in 2014 to tackle IS.
This coalition involves contributions from nations like France and Spain and was initiated in reaction to ISIS’s substantial territorial advances in both Iraq and Syria.
In summary, the US and Iraq have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing communication and cooperation through high-level discussions. Significant milestones include a planned withdrawal of US troops in Iraq, complemented by ongoing military operations in Syria aimed at countering ISIS. The shift towards bilateral security relations marks a significant strategic advancement for both countries.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
