Iraq's PM heads to Washington to discuss US withdrawal from Iraq
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani says his trip to Washington will cover various issues, including the Israeli war on Gaza and an end to the international coalition's mission in Iraq.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, right, chairs the first session of negotiations between Iraq and the United States to wind down the International Coalition mission in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, January 27, 2024. (AP)
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated that he plans to discuss with US President Joe Biden the significance of de-escalating the situation in the Gaza Strip and ending the war to prevent its escalation across the region.
Before leaving Baghdad for Washington, al-Sudani emphasized that his visit is at a critical and sensitive juncture for bilateral relations and the region. He stressed that the purpose of his visit is to enhance relations, including the implementation of the provisions outlined in the Strategic Framework Agreement.
The agreement, signed in 2008, outlines the development of close cooperation on security and defense matters while respecting Iraqi sovereignty.
He emphasized that he would discuss with Biden the joint US-Iraqi Supreme Military Committee's operations, aiming to establish a timeline for ending the coalition's mission in Iraq. Subsequently, the discussions will focus on bilateral relations with coalition countries.
Read next: Leaving Iraq may be Washington’s wisest choice: Foreign Policy
Two days ago, al-Sudani announced that the joint US-Iraqi Supreme Military Committee has agreed to end the international coalition's mission according to a timetable.
"We consider a comprehensive de-escalation in the Middle East to be in both Iraqi and US interests. That requires, above all, urgently ending the war in the Gaza Strip and respecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people," he said in an article for Foreign Affairs.
"We believe the time is right for our relationship to become broader, recognizing the growing capabilities of our forces to defend Iraq and ensure the safety of its citizens," he said, alluding to ending foreign intervention in Iraq's security and military.
