HCC meetings between Iraq and US kick off
The Iraqi Minister of Planning, Muhammad Ali Tamim, co-chaired a meeting of the US-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee with the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Photo: PMO
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The meetings of the joint Higher Coordinating Committee (HCC) between Iraq and the United States regarding the activation of the strategic framework agreement began on Monday.
The Iraqi delegation was headed by the Iraqi Minister of Planning, Muhammad Tamim, and the US delegation was headed by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, according to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
In a joint press conference with the US State Secretary, Tamim expressed optimism that the discussion will result in constructive choices, highlighting that the Iraqi government appeals for moderation and warns of the increasing escalation.
Tamim explained that the Iraqi government is focusing on implementing economic reforms and forging alliances with countries all over the world.
“Today we are focusing on the agriculture, industry, investment, and energy sectors,” Tamim said. “The Iraqi government is working to expand its economic partnerships,” he added.
Blinken said that the visit of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani is an important step to strengthen and develop relations between the two countries, expressing gratitude for receiving the Prime Minister and the Iraqi delegation in Washington.
The US State Secretary indicated that the private sector in the United States is interested in setting up projects and investing expertise in Iraq.
“Through the meetings of the HCC, we are working to expand our relations, as the committee views friendship, collaboration, coordination, and the relationship that was established in the strategic framework agreement as long-term goals,” the US official added.