Al-Maliki, US diplomat discuss bilateral ties, November vote

BAGHDAD — State of Law Coalition head Nouri Al-Maliki met with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris on Wednesday in Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments, including efforts to halt the war in Gaza.

According to a statement from Al-Maliki’s office, the two discussed “ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.”

Al-Maliki reiterated Iraq’s intention to deepen cooperation with the United States and said Iraqis are ready to “participate in the electoral process and choose their representatives… to form an elected government that represents the aspirations of the Iraqi people.” Upcoming parliamentary elections arre set to take place on Nov. 11.

Al-Maliki remains an influential figure in Iraqi politics a decade after his premiership ended.

The State of Law Coalition, with 38 seats, is a key member of the governing Coordination Framework.

Statement from Al-Maliki’s media office:

The head of the State of Law Coalition, Mr. Nouri Al-Maliki, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Mr. Joshua Harris, at his office today.

During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in order to serve the interests of both friendly peoples. The two sides also reviewed regional and international developments, as well as recent international efforts and the role of the United States in helping to halt the war in the Gaza Strip.

Mr. Nouri Al-Maliki emphasized Iraq’s desire to continue cooperation and establish strong relations and partnership with the United States through the activation of the Strategic Framework Agreement signed between the two countries.

He also noted the Iraqi people’s readiness to play their role in participating in the electoral process and choosing their representatives in the Council of Representatives, paving the way for forming an elected government that represents the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

For his part, Mr. Joshua Harris expressed hope for enhancing cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in a way that supports security and stability in Iraq and the region.