US defence secretary arrives in Iraq unannounced for anti-IS discussion

US Defence Secretary arrived unannounced in Baghdad to discuss the fight against Islamic State militant group

Baghdad: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived unannounced in Baghdad on Tuesday to discuss the fight against Islamic State (IS) militant group and expand the partnership with Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani met with the US delegation, where the two officials “discussed the cooperation between Iraq and the United States, the performance of the Iraqi forces in combating terrorism and pursuing the terrorist militants of the IS group”, the premier’s media office said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

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Al-Sudani affirmed that Iraq pursues balanced relations regionally and internationally on the basis of common interests and respect for sovereignty.

The stability of Iraq “is the key to the security and stability of the region because of its role in bringing views closer and easing tensions in the region,” he added.

For his part, Austin said the United States looks forward to strengthening relations with Iraq and developing their partnerships in various fields, according to the statement.

At a news conference in the Iraqi capital, Austin said US forces in Iraq are remaining “at the invitation of the government of Iraq”, adding these forces are operating non-combat, providing advice to assist and support the Iraq-led fight against terrorism.

Austin’s visit to Iraq came days before the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003, which toppled former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.