US says it will continue efforts to protect religious freedom in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said the United States will continue its efforts to protect religious freedom in Iraq, following a meeting between the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris and Nineveh Governor Abdulqadir al-Dahil. According to the embassy statement, the two officials discussed shared objectives aimed at building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries. Harris also addressed prospects for expanding the U.S.-Iraq trade partnership in Nineveh province, according to the statement. The embassy said Washington would continue to take a leading role in safeguarding religious freedom across Iraq. The meeting was intended to strengthen economic and political cooperation between Washington and Baghdad, the embassy said. No further details were immediately available.