Biden discusses "warming in relations" with Malaki, Barzani

WASHINGTON, July 12 (KUNA) -- Vice President Joe Biden spoke separately by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Kurdish Regional Government President Masoud Barzani, the White House reported late on Thursday.
Biden congratulated Maliki and Barzani on their recent exchange of visits, "which marked an important warming in relations between Baghdad and Erbil," the announcement said.
He spoke with both leaders about the prospects for further progress and underscored the U.S. commitment to a united, federal and democratic Iraq, the statement said.
"The Vice President consulted with the Prime Minister and President on regional developments, and he congratulated Prime Minister Maliki on his efforts to build closer ties between Iraq and Arab neighbors such as Jordan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates," the statement said.
Maliki and Biden agreed on the need for greater cooperation against al Qaeda, consistent with the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, it said.
Biden sent best wishes to Maliki, Barzani and their families on the occasion of Ramadan, and congratulated Iraq's under-20 soccer team "for their inspiring performance in the youth World Cup," it said. (end) rm.rk KUNA 121004 Jul 13NNNN