U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a meeting today with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein. They discussed working together on security, economic, political, and diplomatic matters under the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. 

The upcoming U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee meeting and Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani's meeting with President Biden on April 15 were also mentioned by both leaders. The Secretary urged for efforts to improve the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, provide economic benefits for all Iraqis, increase Iraq's energy independence, strengthen their sovereignty, and promote stability and security for everyone in Iraq. 

They both reaffirmed their commitment to the Higher Military Commission process which will lead to a strong bilateral security partnership between the two countries and ensure that ISIS is permanently defeated.