Baghdad: Head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, affirmed today that Iraq pursues a balanced policy in its relations with all countries in the region. His media office stated in a press release that “the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received in his office the former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Victoria Taylor, and discussed with her the developments in the region and their repercussions on Iraq.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Maliki explained that “Iraq and the United States have strong relations, and the two countries have signed a Strategic Framework Agreement aimed at strengthening joint cooperation and supporting the process of building Iraq’s capabilities in various fields,” calling for “its activation in the near future.”

He affirmed Iraq’s readiness to defend its relations and interests with the United States, explaining that “our understanding of strengthening relations comes through sustaining economic partnerships to achieve the interests of both friendly nations.”

Al-Maliki pointed out that “Iraq pursues a balanced policy in its relations with all countries in the region,” explaining that “the dialogues being conducted by national forces aim to fulfill the constitutional requirements related to the next phase in forming a government capable of meeting the demands of the Iraqi people.”

For her part, Taylor emphasized “the importance of Iraq’s pivotal role in the region,” and its active participation in efforts to restore stability and enhance regional security.