LOC19:27
16:27 GMT
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter with Iraqi Kurdistan region President Massud Barzani
IRBIL, July 24 (KUNA)- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter met Iraqi Kurdistan region President Massud Barzani Friday, on the second day of a visit to Iraq, aimed at reviewing efforts to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Carter lauded President Barzani on the battlefield successes of the Kurdish forces in cooperation with the US armed forces against ISIL.
Moreover, Carter affirmed Washington's readiness to cooperate with and support the Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIL, saying that the US-Kurdistan alliance is vital in ensuring peace in the region.
The Kurdish President acknowledged Mosul's geographic location is a key factor in liberating the city from ISIL forces.
Carter arrived in Irbil Friday after visiting the Iraqi capital, Baghdad on Thursday, where he met top Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi.
Carter's visit to Iraq is part of a Middle East tour that took him to Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well. The tour is aimed at discussing the regional developments and the fight against ISIL. (end)
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