U.S., Iraq reaffirm "strong" security partnership

WASHINGTON, May 25 (KUNA) -- The United States and Iraq have re-affirmed commitment to security partnership and plan to sell Baghdad more warplanes.
Washington and Baghdad reaffirmed their commitment to a "strong and long-term" security partnership during the inaugural meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) of the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) this week that included reconfirming the U.S. sale of an additional F-16 fighter jets to Iraq, the U.S. Defense Department announced, late on Thursday.
The meetings, held at the Pentagon following a meeting between U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense Saadoun Al-Dlimi, were co-chaired by the Iraqi Acting Minister of Defense and U.S. Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller, and U.S. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller, the announcement said.
Defense and Security is one of the eight areas of cooperation agreed upon by Iraq and the United States under the 2008 SFA to strengthen cooperation in areas deemed of critical interest to both countries.
The establishment of the Defense and Security JCC "signifies both countries' commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Iraqi strategic partnership and continue coordination and cooperation on these vital issues," the announcement said.
During three days of meetings, discussions were held on future sales of military equipment, joint military exercises, and Iraq's strategy to ensure its future stability and security, the Pentagon said.
"In support of an enduring partnership, the United States and the government of Iraq expanded dialogue on ways of increasing strategic cooperation that would promote stability within Iraq as well as throughout the region," the announcement said.
The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Iraq's stability through training, equipping and enhancing the capacity of Iraq's armed forces for defense against external threats and for counterterrorism, it said.
In addition to an initial purchase of 18 F-16 aircraft last September, during the meetings the government of Iraq reconfirmed its interest in purchasing a second set of 18 F-16s, and the United States reconfirmed its commitment to the sale.
The F-16s and other military equipment will help protect Iraq's sovereignty, meet legitimate defense needs and symbolize the long-term security partnership envisioned by both countries, the Pentagon said.
"The United States commends the Iraqi Security Forces for their demonstrated capability to protect the Iraqi people and recognizes the continued sacrifice being made to ensure Iraq's security," the announcement said. "The Iraqi Security Forces have made great strides in stabilizing the security situation in Iraq and in facilitating Iraq's emergence as a strategic partner that promotes and contributes to regional security." The next meeting of the Defense and Security JCC will be hosted by Iraq in Baghdad this fall. The purpose of the second meeting will be "to build upon the foundation laid out this week, and continue discussions on strengthening defense and security cooperation as part of the multifaceted relationship developed between the United States and the government of Iraq," the Pentagon said. (end) rm.rk KUNA 250928 May 12NNNN