Baghdad: The Speaker of Parliament received today in Baghdad a high-level delegation from the US Congress and members of the US Embassy. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States within the framework of the Strategic Framework Agreement, as well as ways to enhance joint cooperation in the political, economic, and security fields.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the visiting delegation included Representative Adam Smith, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee from the Democratic Party; Representative Sarah Jacobs; Representative Michael Baumgartner; Representative George Whitesides; and Representative Wesley Bell, along with the Charg© d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Daniel Rubinstein, and a number of advisors and members of the professional staff of the Armed Services Committee.

During the meeting, according to a statement by his office, the Speaker of Parliament emphasized the importance of the Strategic Framework Agreement as the cornerstone of Iraqi-American relations. He emphasized the need to implement its provisions to ensure mutual interests between the two countries, particularly in the areas of developing the national economy and investing in non-oil sectors such as agriculture and industry.

He also noted the importance of the Iraqi Constitution as the foundation of the country’s democratic system, with the possibility of developing and amending it in accordance with Article (142) and in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

The Speaker of Parliament emphasized the need to develop the education and agriculture sectors and support political and security stability in Iraq and the region. He expressed Iraq’s firm position in supporting ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the need to end wars and conflicts in the region, which would contribute to consolidating peace and achieving prosperity.

For his part, the American delegation affirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Iraq in various fields and strengthening the existing strategic partnership between the two countries. He reiterated the US Congress’s keenness to maintain effective communication with Iraqi leaders to continue working together for a better future for both countries.