Iraqi prime minister to visit Washington in April

WASHINGTON – White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced on Friday that President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on April 15th for crucial discussions. The agenda will focus on shared priorities concerning the economy and the evolution of military missions.

According to a statement from Jean-Pierre, obtained by 96media, Biden and Al-Sudani will discuss coordination on mutual priorities and enhancing the bilateral partnership between the United States and Iraq.

“The leaders will reaffirm their commitment to the Strategic Framework Agreement and seek to deepen their shared vision for a secure, sovereign, and prosperous Iraq, fully integrated into the broader region,” Jean-Pierre stated.

The Strategic Framework Agreement, signed in 2008 between Iraq and the United States, involves extensive cooperation on security, economic, political, and cultural matters.

Al-Sudani and Biden’s discussions will encompass ongoing Iraqi financial and economic reforms aimed at fostering economic growth and advancing Iraq’s energy independence and modernization.

Biden and Al-Sudani will also address joint efforts to eradicate the Islamic State (ISIS) and the evolution of the military mission of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which was established nearly a decade ago.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s office has also confirmed the White House announcement, stating that the visit will focus on shaping the future relationship post the International Coalition’s efforts against ISIS and exploring the most effective ways to transition to a comprehensive partnership between Iraq and the United States in light of the Strategic Framework Agreement.

The discussion will cover key regional issues and ways of promoting stability in the region, per a statement from Al-Sudani’s office.

Al-Sudani’s visit to the United States follows months of strained relations between Baghdad and Washington, as pro-Iran Iraqi armed factions targeted U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria with rockets and drones, and the U.S. military retaliated by targeting senior militia commanders.

The visit also occurs amid escalating tensions between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), following a recent visit by KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

During Barzani’s visit, U.S. officials expressed support for Kurdistan’s stability and prosperity. Kurdish officials have urged Washington to take a more proactive role in mediating a deal between them and Baghdad that would protect the Kurdistan Region’s autonomy.