Iraqi president discusses expanding cooperation with U.S. envoy in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi President Nizar Amidi met in Baghdad with U.S. chargé d’affaires Joshua Harris to discuss bilateral ties and ways to expand cooperation between Iraq and the United States, according to a presidential statement. The statement said the talks covered the relationship between the two countries, developing it in different fields and keeping weapons under exclusive state control. Amidi said expanding cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement was important and called for support for development and investment projects. He also said Iraq was determined to keep control of its security file and said Baghdad was committed to relations with all countries based on mutual interests, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. Regional security, stability, de-escalation and settling disputes through dialogue and diplomacy were also discussed, the statement said. Harris reiterated U.S. support for Iraq’s security, stability and sovereignty.