Foreign Minister al-Jaafari Meets with Secretary Kerry in Baghdad

September 10, 2014 - Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari met today with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Baghdad, and discussed efforts to counter the threat of ISIL by expanding military and intelligence cooperation between Iraq and the United States.

Discussions also focused on tomorrow’s regional meeting in Jeddah which will include participation from FM al-Jaafari and Secretary Kerry. A comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIL is expected to be agreed on by regional and international partners.

Foreign Minister al-Jaafari emphasized the new Iraqi government’s commitment to building confidence among all sections of Iraq’s political and social fabric by taking steps to resolve outstanding issues that will benefit all Iraqis. He also noted that strengthening diplomatic ties with Iraq’s neighbors on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty would be a key aspect to reassert security and stability in the country.

Foreign Minister al-Jaafari and Secretary Kerry concurred that ISIL poses a threat to the entire world and that only a global response could defeat this terrorist organization.