United States President Joseph Biden and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’a Al-Sudani of the Republic of Iraq met in Washington on 15 April. According to a White House statement released following the meeting, the leaders reaffirmed a commitment to an enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, as outlined in the 2008 US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.
President Biden and Prime Minister Sudani committed to the sovereignty, stability, and security of Iraq and regional stability in the wider Middle East. The leaders outlined comprehensive bilateral cooperation across various fronts, including political, economic, and security cooperation.
A key focus of the meeting was the importance of Iraq’s economic growth and integration into the global economic system. President Biden supported future cooperation to ensure self-sufficiency of Iraq’s energy supply by 2030, with assistance from US companies.
President Biden reaffirmed US support for Iraq’s efforts to strengthen relations with the international community. The leaders discussed the role of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) in the nation’s prosperity and stability, with Biden supporting the strengthening of democracy in Iraq, including free, fair, and transparent regional elections in the KRI.
Economic reforms and financial sector development were also on the agenda, with discussions on improving the investment climate in Iraq to attract foreign capital and promote economic growth. The United States and Iraq pledged to enhance cooperation against corruption, money laundering, and other illicit activities that could undermine financial systems.
Furthermore, President Biden and Prime Minister Sudani reiterated a commitment to the lasting defeat of ISIS. Iraq’s security forces must prevent a resurgence of ISIS within Iraq, to safeguard the Iraqi people, the region, and the wider international community including the US, the leaders said.