ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia'a al-Sudani on Saturday received Joshua Harris, Washington’s new chargé d'affaires in Baghdad. They discussed enhancing joint coordination and the latest developments in the region, according to Sudani's office.
"During the meeting, the prime minister emphasized the importance of the strategic bilateral relationship between Iraq and the United States, and the need to strengthen joint coordination and expand cooperation across various fields to serve the interests of both friendly nations," read a statement from Sudani's office.
"The meeting also included a review of regional developments, key international issues, and matters of mutual interest, with an exchange of views on ways to promote regional stability, reduce tensions, end ongoing conflicts, and prevent the escalation of violence," it added.
US forces have reportedly begun withdrawing from bases in federal Iraqi territory and relocating to Erbil ahead of an end of September deadline stipulated in a 2021 US-Iraq agreement.
In a post on X last week, the US embassy in Baghdad welcomed Harris, and said he looks forward to "working closely with Iraqi partners and our teams in Baghdad and Erbil to advance the strong U.S.-Iraq partnership and promote U.S. objectives in this critical relationship."
