Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on NSA Sullivan’s Call with Foreign Minister Hussein of Iraq

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke today with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein of Iraq. He expressed appreciation for Iraqi condolences for the recent attack in Kabul that killed U.S. service members and Afghan civilians. They discussed the important role of Iraq in the region and the significant diplomatic efforts led by the Government of Iraq to bring countries together and de-escalate tensions wherever possible. To that end, National Security Advisor Sullivan noted President Biden’s full support for the upcoming regional conference in Baghdad with an aim to elevate diplomacy and dialogue across the Middle East region. Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Hussein further committed to a continued security partnership consistent with the recent Strategic Dialogue held last month in Washington to ensure that ISIS can never resurge in Iraq and to allow communities recovering from terror to rebuild with dignity. They both emphasized the firm commitment of the United States and Iraq to continue coordinating with global partners to combat ISIS’s financing, propaganda, and movement of foreign fighters. Finally, National Security Advisor Sullivan conveyed President Biden’s strong commitment to Iraq and its people and to further strengthening our enduring bilateral relationship under the Strategic Framework Agreement.

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