WASHINGTON – The United States and Iraq pledged to boost security cooperation, regional stability, and the shared interest in Iraq’s sovereignty.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) were holding the inaugural US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue in Washington, D.C.
The two-day dialogue witnessed the participation of high-level delegations from both nations. The Iraqi delegation was led by Minister of Defense Thabit al-Abbasi, while the U.S. side was headed by Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander.
Discussions revolved around a range of bilateral defense issues, rooted in the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.
Both sides celebrated the full implementation of the Strategic Dialogue, confirming the non-combat role of U.S. forces in Iraq.
Emphasis was laid on the achievements of the Defeat-ISIS campaign and the prevention of the group’s resurgence.
The delegations acknowledged the crucial support provided by the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) to the Iraqi Security Forces.
An urgent call was made for the repatriation of displaced persons and detainees in northeast Syria.
Both nations have vowed to consult on the evolution of the Coalition’s military mission, considering factors like the threat from ISIS and the capability levels of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).
A higher military commission will be established to evaluate the future processes discussed during the dialogue.
The dialogue also touched upon building the institutional capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces through U.S. military assistance and security cooperation programs.
Both nations explored opportunities to expand educational opportunities for Iraq’s military professionals, including training programs and educational exchanges.
Both countries reiterated that U.S. forces remain in Iraq solely to support the ISF in their fight against ISIS, emphasizing Iraq’s sovereignty.
The Iraqi government pledged to protect U.S. and Global Coalition personnel, advisors, convoys, and diplomatic facilities.
The two nations expressed their intent to hold subsequent Joint Security Cooperation Dialogues to assess the evolving threat from ISIS and to enhance the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces. The successful conclusion of this dialogue underscores the unwavering commitment of both nations to fortify their bilateral military cooperation, particularly in the Iraqi-led enduring defeat of ISIS.