Iraqi prime minister meets new US chargé d’affaires in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Saturday with Joshua Harris, the newly appointed chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, who succeeds Steven H. Fagin, his media office said.

Al-Sudani “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,” the statement said.

Talks also addressed regional and international issues, with both sides exchanging views “on ways to promote regional stability, reduce tensions, end ongoing conflicts, and prevent the escalation of violence,” the statement added.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Saturday, the new Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, Mr. Joshua Harris, on the occasion of assuming his duties.

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.

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.