Iraqi president meets Trump envoy in Baghdad

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Salih stressed on Sunday the importance of promoting relations between Iraq and the U.S. in all fields.

Salih made the remarks Sunday during a meeting with U.S. special envoy to the international coalition against Islamic State Brett H. McGurk and his accompanying delegation in Baghdad, Salih’s media office said in a statement.

During the meeting, the Iraqi president stressed the need to strengthen bilateral relations in all fields, especially in the economic and trade domains within the framework of the strategic agreement between the two countries.

McGurk, meanwhile, reiterated his country’s determination to reinforce cooperation aspects with Iraq.

The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Douglas A. Silliman.

The Iraqi parliament elected on October 2 veteran Kurdish politician Salih as new president of the country, a long-awaited move that precedes the formation of a new government.

The 58-year-old politician secured the mostly ceremonial position after winning two—thirds of the parliamentary votes.

Salih succeeded Fuad Masum in this top post.

Iraqi politicians have been in a deadlock over the formation of a new government since an election in May.