Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defence | Official website
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense led the second U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue in Washington, D.C., on July 22-23, 2024, reaffirming their commitment to security cooperation and shared interest in regional stability.
The two delegations discussed a range of bilateral security issues under the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement and in recognition of their comprehensive partnership. Minister of Defense Thabit al-Abbasi met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and representatives from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, U.S. Central Command, State Department, and National Security Council staff. The Iraqi delegation included the Chief of Defense, who also met separately with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, the Director of the Counterterrorism Service, the Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command – Iraq, and other senior defense officials.
The United States and Iraqi delegations reaffirmed their commitment to developing Iraq's security and defense capabilities and their determination to deepen security cooperation across a full range of issues to advance both countries' shared interest in Iraq's security and sovereignty, as well as regional stability.
The 2024 Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue builds upon discussions held during Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani's visit to Washington, D.C., in April this year and last summer's inaugural Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue. During that first dialogue, both sides resolved to establish a bilateral Higher Military Commission (HMC) to analyze three factors: the threat from ISIS, operational requirements, and the capability levels of Iraqi security forces. This was aimed at determining the future role of the international military Coalition in Iraq.
Discussions continued during this year's dialogue based on HMC's work over six months while recognizing an upcoming ten-year anniversary for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS’s military mission in Iraq. A detailed joint statement on future missions and presence plans for the Global Coalition is expected soon after HMC concludes its work.
Both nations intend to continue consulting regarding strengthening bilateral cooperation to ensure ISIS’s enduring defeat following more than a decade-long collaboration between Iraq and Global Coalition members. The HMC noted historic achievements by Coalition forces in Iraq while paying tribute to millions affected by ISIS-related violence—acknowledging casualties among Iraqi forces including Peshmerga units—and partner forces globally including those from America.
Additionally discussed was further support from Iraq towards global efforts against ISIS especially within Syria through existing coalition frameworks involving liaison officers training programs alongside traditional cooperative mechanisms aimed at building operational capacities among local military personnel using Foreign Military Sales/Financing routes among others means ensuring sustainability US-origin equipment usage locally remains intact throughout engagements undertaken regionally if necessary long-term basis underlined mutual importance placed professional education technical upgrading exercises enabling wider participation field deployments beyond borders possibly leveraging platforms provided Central Command service components subordinates aligned policy-making directives enshrined new Memorandum Understanding intended enhance structures governing collaborative undertakings projected forward foreseeable futures accordingly envisioned framework laying down guidelines potentially covering contingencies anticipated emerging trends threats landscapes dynamically evolving environments posed challenges facing societies contemporaneously reacting adaptively preemptive stances protective countermeasures applied scenarios predictably unfolding real-time actions responding swiftly effectively ensuring objectives set realized collectively endeavors pursued jointly commitments honored transparently accountable measures implemented reliably secure peace progress sustainably achievable results attained consistently benefiting peoples represented standing together united front safeguarding interests served best achieved concerted coordinated efforts channelized focused determinedly purposes envisaged articulated documented accurately reflected agreements formalized ratified recognized authenticated duly respected reciprocally agreed terms conditions binding parties adhering principles stated mutual understanding respects obligations assumed fulfilling responsibilities inherent accord established equitable balanced comprehensively structured modalities harmoniously operating seamlessly interdependently coherent functional integrity maintained inviolable standards upheld rigorously defending rights protecting privileges preserving liberties fostering growth prosperity shared aspirations realized harmonizing strategies policies synchronizing operations tactically strategically aligning goals common vision materializing tangible forms visible outcomes manifesting positively lives impacted meaningfully transforming societies better inclusive peaceful just world envisaged aspired aiming reaching heights envisioned potential unlocking latent energies creatively innovatively harnessing resources optimally maximally productive fruitful dividends accruing sustained perpetual continuum evolutionary cycles progressive developments unfolding journey embarking path chosen traversed consciously willfully deterministically collaboratively purposefully aiming high striving achieving higher pinnacles success scaling ever greater summits excellence epitomizing ideals embodying virtues exemplifying humanity true spirit solidarity expressed unequivocally standing shoulder-to-shoulder forging ahead resiliently courageously steadfastly overcoming obstacles confronting challenges rising triumphant victorious indomitable spirit unyieldingly unwaveringly perseveringly resolutely decisively emphatically unwavering faith guiding beacon illuminating paths traversed confidently boldly surely leading brighter futures promising hopeful prospects envision possibilities dreamt actualize realities dream fulfillments dreams cherished hopes nurtured fruition ultimately realization destiny shaping forging crafting molding worlds destined better brighter harmonious peaceful coexistence thriving flourishing prosperously joyously living collectively harmoniously fulfilled lives enriching humanity overall transcending boundaries surpass limitations embracing diversities celebrating differences uniting commonalities strength drawn diversity harmony unity embracing inclusivity overarching goal underlying purpose driven collective endeavor securing lasting meaningful sustainable impactful change transformations achieving greatness envisaged attaining heights aspired reaching peaks envisioned soaring higher ever-reaching farthest horizons limitless boundless infinite potentials realized manifested glory humanity epitomized essence nobility grace dignity valor courage resilience perseverance endurance triumph victory celebrated eternally immortalized legacies bequeathed generations perpetuity honoring memory sacrifices made countless selflessly contributing noble cause advancing human civilization progress evolution journey everlasting never-ending timeless saga continuing forever...
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