The National Security Ministerial Council in Iraq has adopted the agreement between Baghdad and Washington regarding the formation of a joint supreme committee in collaboration with the international coalition to initiate the implementation of the outcomes of their shared dialogue.
Brigadier General Yahya Rasool Abdullah, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, stated in a Tuesday announcement that the National Security Ministerial Council convened the previous night under the chairmanship of Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, the Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The meeting was informed about a detailed briefing of the visit led by Defense Minister Thabit Mohammed Al-Abbasi to Washington, prompted by an invitation from the US Defense Secretary.
He added that the meeting addressed bilateral security cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement and the future relationship between Iraq and the international coalition combating terrorism. The Iraqi delegation emphasized the fundamentals related to Iraq’s sovereignty, the growing capabilities of its armed forces across all branches, and their role in ensuring security, stability, and safeguarding the country’s borders.
The statement further highlighted the Iraqi perspective during the dialogue with the US about the lack of necessity for any foreign combat forces on Iraqi soil.
After reviewing the progression of the dialogue, the National Security Ministerial Council approved the agreement of the Iraqi delegation with the American side to form a joint supreme committee with the international coalition to begin implementing the shared dialogue outcomes.
The spokesperson continued, “The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army to liaise with the leadership of the international coalition in Iraq to commence the works of the bilateral committee.”
The council also appreciated the efforts of the Iraqi delegation and their emphasis on integrating Iraq’s security capabilities and upholding all aspects of Iraqi sovereignty.
The spokesperson clarified that the meeting discussed Iraq’s intention to join the United Nations’ international database concerning missing and stolen weapons in Iraq and globally, aiming to control this type of weaponry. Additionally, the council discussed the entry of Arab and foreign fishermen into the country during the fishing season, with appropriate decisions made in this regard.
Recently, a high-level Iraqi military delegation, led by Defense Minister Thabit Mohammed Al-Abbasi, met in Washington with the US Defense Secretary and senior military leaders to discuss joint military issues between the two countries.
