Iraq and US Enhance Cooperation and Communication in Recent Talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani agreed to improve cooperation and communication during a phone call. They discussed US-Iraq relations and established a timeline for ending the US-led military mission in Iraq by September 2025, while also addressing the ongoing coalition military operations in Syria.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani engaged in a telephone conversation where they reached an agreement to bolster communication and enhance cooperation between Iraq and the United States. According to a statement from Al-Sudani’s office, the two leaders discussed the overall state of US-Iraq relations and explored avenues for development and strengthening of these ties.

The discussions also included deliberations on coordination between the Iraqi government and the new US administration, alongside frameworks for establishing bilateral agreements. Both officials reviewed the progress made in joint endeavors across various sectors, affirming their commitment to enhance communication and deepen collaborative efforts.

Notably, on September 27, Iraq and the US established a timeline for concluding the US-led coalition’s military mission in Iraq within 12 months, targeting a final deadline of September 2025. This agreement represents a pivotal shift towards bilateral security relations aimed at supporting Iraqi forces while maintaining pressure on ISIS (Daesh).

Furthermore, military operations conducted by the coalition in Syria are set to persist from a designated base authorized by the High Military Commission until September 2026, in order to mitigate the resurgence of the ISIS terrorist threat in northeastern Syria. Currently, approximately 2,500 US troops remain stationed in Iraq, part of an international coalition formed in 2014 in response to ISIS’s territorial advances in Iraq and Syria, which includes contributions from nations such as France and Spain.

In conclusion, the recent communication between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani marks a significant step towards enhancing bilateral relations. The discussions not only aim to strengthen cooperation on various fronts but also focus on the transition of the US-led coalition’s mission in Iraq towards supporting local forces against ISIS. As both nations navigate these critical developments, effective communication remains a priority.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr