Iraq’s Deputy Speaker Stresses Importance of Strategic Partnership with U.S.

Baghdad / NINA /- First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandalawi on Tuesday underlined the importance of consolidating the strategic relationship between Iraq and the United States on the basis of mutual respect and common interests.

A statement from Al-Mandalawi’s media office said he received U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad Joshua Harris and his accompanying delegation to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral relations and addressing key issues of mutual concern.

During the meeting, Al-Mandalawi stressed the need to broaden areas of cooperation with Washington in a way that supports Iraq’s stability and prosperity and strengthens development and reform efforts. The two sides also reviewed regional and international developments, with Al-Mandalawi highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue and coordination to confront security and political challenges, prevent conflicts from escalating, and achieve stability in the region.

He further called on the international community, particularly the United States, to exert serious and effective pressure on Israel to end the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, who are subjected daily to starvation policies, forced displacement, and systematic genocide. He reaffirmed Iraq’s firm stance in defending the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and supporting their just cause.

For his part, Harris expressed his country’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with Iraq across various fields and to support the efforts of Parliament and the government in promoting stability and development. He also pointed to Iraq’s active role in consolidating regional and international security and its standing as a responsible partner in supporting peace and stability./ End