Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Thomas R. Nides visited Iraq from December 10-11, 2012, and met with President Jalal Talabani, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari, and Minister of Finance, Rafi al-Issawi in Baghdad.
Deputy Secretary Nides and his Iraqi interlocutors discussed U.S.-Iraqi relations under the Strategic Framework Agreement and the U.S. commitment to Iraq’s economic and political development as a stable and secure strategic partner that plays a constructive leadership role in promoting peace and security in the region.
In his discussions, he urged Iraqi officials to continue to engage directly and vigorously to ease tensions in the disputed areas in the north.
Deputy Secretary Nides also met with UNAMI Special Representative Martin Kobler to discuss the United Nations ongoing efforts in Iraq.
