Iraqi PM Al-Sudani and USCENTCOM commander discuss counterterrorism, regional stability

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met on Tuesday with U.S. Central Command Commander Michael Kurilla to discuss ongoing cooperation between Iraq and the International Coalition in countering terrorism and extremism.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office, Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s determination to work alongside coalition partners in combating threats posed by extremist groups, including ISIS remnants, while safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Gen. Kurilla reaffirmed the coalition’s support for Iraq in countering these threats and maintaining its security.

Discussions extended to the broader regional landscape, including the situation in Syria, where Al-Sudani stressed Iraq’s stance on respecting the choices of the Syrian people and ensuring. He reaffirmed Iraq’s readiness to assist Syria during its transitional period and highlighted the importance of preserving the country’s ethnic, religious, and social diversity.

Gen. Kurilla’s visit to Baghdad followed engagements with U.S. military commanders and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria.

Statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, met today, Tuesday, the Commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting addressed cooperation and coordination between Iraq and the International Coalition in combating terrorism and countering extremism. The Prime Minister affirmed Iraq’s essential membership in the coalition and its commitment to collaborating in tracking and combating terrorist groups to ensure security and stability in the region. In turn, General Kurilla reiterated the coalition’s commitment to supporting Iraq in safeguarding its security and sovereignty against any terrorist threats.

Discussions also covered the latest developments in Syria and the ongoing regional challenges. Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of respecting the free choices of the Syrian people and reiterated Iraq’s readiness to assist Syrians during this transitional period.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to preserve Syria’s security, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people, along with its ethnic, religious, and social diversity. He underscored the importance of preventing any harm to the Syrian population or their religious sanctities and confirmed Iraq’s intention to monitor developments and the credibility of actions rather than words.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to working with Arab states and neighboring states to assist the Syrian people and establish security and stability in the region.