Officials from US, Iraq gather to talk over security collaboration

(MENAFN) US and Iraqi officials are convening for a significant meeting focused on enhancing security cooperation, as announced by the Pentagon on Monday. The Pentagon is hosting the 2024 US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue (JSCD), which is scheduled to take place over two days. This dialogue represents a key moment for both nations to discuss the future of their security partnership.

Air Force Major General Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, outlined that the meeting will cover crucial aspects related to the global coalition's mission against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq. The discussions will center on determining the timeline and method for concluding the coalition’s mission and transitioning to a sustained bilateral security partnership. This transition is intended to ensure that the shift from the global coalition’s efforts to a more enduring and collaborative security arrangement between the US and Iraq is managed smoothly and effectively.

The JSCD is a continuation of the efforts initiated by the Higher Military Commission (HMC), which was established following a meeting in April between US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Washington. This dialogue reflects the commitment of both nations to reinforce their bilateral security relationship, building on the work accomplished by the HMC in recent months. Additionally, this meeting is taking place in recognition of the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the global coalition’s military mission in Iraq, underscoring the long-term nature of the partnership and the ongoing dedication to addressing security challenges in the region.

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