Talks focus on ending Global Coalition mission
Al-Maliki meets with U.S. Ambassador to discuss future ties
BAGHDAD – Nouri Al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, met with U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina L. Romanowski on Tuesday to discuss the future of bilateral relations and ongoing dialogue about concluding the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS’s mission. The two sides called for “finalizing this dialogue and reaching an agreement on a timetable for implementation,” according to a statement from Al-Maliki’s office.
Al-Maliki, despite being replaced as prime minister a decade ago, remains an influential figure in Iraqi politics. His State of Law Coalition, the largest Shia parliamentary bloc with 38 seats, is a key member of the Coordination Framework, a pro-Iran political alliance.
During the meeting, Al-Maliki emphasized the importance of “strengthening” relations between the two countries and reiterated Iraq’s commitment to the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement. This agreement, signed during Al-Maliki’s and George W. Bush’s tenures, covers security, economic, trade, cultural, and environmental cooperation.
Ambassador Romanowski reaffirmed U.S. support for Iraq’s stability and promised to “continue providing necessary assistance to Iraqis” within the framework of the Strategic Agreement.
This meeting follows months of discussions between Iraqi and U.S. officials about renegotiating the terms of U.S. troops’ presence in Iraq. Iraq seeks to disband the Global Coalition and instead sign bilateral security agreements with some of its members. Pro-Iran armed factions in the parliament pushed for a vote on the complete withdrawal of U.S. troops, but the session failed to meet the legal quorum needed to proceed.
Nouri Al-Maliki meets US Ambassador Romanowski
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