Iraq's national security adviser meets US chargé d'affaires in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji met with US Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris in Baghdad to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments. Al-Araji outlined the Iraqi government's plans to reinforce security and stability, ease regional tensions and consolidate arms under state control. He said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani is working to build independent national institutions capable of making sovereign decisions, launch comprehensive development and establish a strong economy. The two sides reviewed the latest developments in the region and explored ways to deepen Iraq-US cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism, intelligence sharing and the exchange of expertise. Harris reaffirmed US support for the Iraqi government's efforts to strengthen national sovereignty and security, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.