By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2012 – The United
States reaffirmed its commitment to advance Iraq's stability by training,
equipping and enhancing the capacity of its armed forces for defense and
counterterrorism, members of the U.S.-Iraq Defense and Security Cooperation
Joint Coordinating Committee said yesterday in a joint statement.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta met
with acting Iraqi Defense Minister Dr. Sadun al-Dulaymi at the Pentagon on May
22, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement. It was
Panetta’s first meeting with the Iraqi defense official, Little said.
“Secretary Panetta thanked Dr.
al-Dulaymi for his leadership and the two leaders noted the sacrifices of both
nations to help the Iraqi people secure a brighter future,” Little said.
The joint committee on defense and
security was established by the U.S.-Iraq Higher Coordinating Committee under
the Strategic Framework Agreement signed in 2008 to affirm both nations’ desire
to establish long-term bonds of cooperation and friendship.
Defense and security comprise one of the
eight areas of cooperation agreed on by Iraq and the United States under the
SFA.
The inaugural meeting, held at the
Pentagon May 22-24, was co-chaired by al-Dulaymi, Rose Gottemoeller, acting
undersecretary of state for arms control and international security, and James
N. Miller, acting undersecretary of defense for policy.
During three days of meetings, the
committee discussed future sales of military equipment, joint military
exercises, Iraq's strategy to ensure its future stability and security, and
other topics.
The nations expanded dialogue on ways to
increase strategic cooperation for promoting stability in Iraq and in the
region. Both sides discussed ongoing and future security assistance.
Iraq purchased 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon
aircraft last September, and during the meetings Iraq confirmed its interest in
purchasing a second set of 18 F-16s. The United States confirmed its commitment
to the sale.
The F-16s and other military equipment
will help protect Iraq's sovereignty, meet defense needs and symbolize the long-term
security partnership, according to the joint statement.
“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 statement said.
“The Iraqi security forces have made
great strides in stabilizing the security situation in Iraq,” the statement
added, “and in facilitating Iraq's emergence as a strategic partner that
promotes and contributes to regional security.”
Iraq will host the committee’s next
meeting in Baghdad this fall to build on the foundation laid out this week and
continue talks on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the
two nations.
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