Text of the joint statement of the Supreme Coordination Committee between Iraq and the United States

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[size=52]Text of the joint statement of the Supreme Coordination Committee between Iraq and the United States[/size]

[size=45]The Supreme Coordination Committee between Iraq and the United States stressed the importance of the bilateral partnership and Iraq's vital role in the security and prosperity of the region, stressing the need to commit to continuing financial reform efforts to encourage foreign investment in Iraq.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated, in a statement received by Al-Mada: “The delegation of the Republic of Iraq, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Muhammad Tamim, and the delegation of the United States government, led by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken chaired the meeting of the Supreme Coordinating Committee (HCC) on Monday, in accordance with the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement between Iraq and the United States.
According to the statement, the two sides stressed “the importance of the bilateral partnership and Iraq’s vital role in the security and prosperity of the region,” expressing their desire “to expand the depth and scope of the relationship between the two countries, including in the areas of energy independence, financial reform, providing services to the Iraqi people, and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.” And strengthening educational and cultural relations, and representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq also participated in the meeting.”
The statement added, “The two Iraqi-American delegations expressed a common opinion that Iraq has the ability to exploit its vast natural gas resources, invest in new energy infrastructure and renewable energy sources, and achieve energy self-sufficiency by 2030.”
The United States praised Iraq for the progress it has made in reducing gas emissions and working to market associated gas, and the great gas potential in the Kurdistan region of Iraq is a major component of energy security in Iraq, as is increasing private sector investment and allowing Iraq to benefit from leading technology and expertise. for the American private sector.”
To allow Iraq to benefit from the leading technology and experience of the American private sector, the statement explained that “Iraq and the United States announced the signing of new memorandums of understanding to process burned gas and convert it into usable electricity for the Iraqi people. The two sides also stressed the importance of resuming oil exports through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline.”
The United States praised Iraq for its great efforts to increase regional connectivity, especially with regard to electrical interconnection with Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. After years of work to build its interconnection with Jordan, Iraq began receiving 40 megawatts of electricity for its people. The capacity is scheduled to increase in the future stages to 900 megawatts, as Iraq stressed that “strengthening ties, which are based on common interests with neighbors, is the basis for local prosperity.”
He continued, "Iraq and the United States also discussed Iraq's interest in using peaceful nuclear energy, including emerging nuclear technologies. They also discussed the significant progress Iraq has made in modernizing its financial and banking sector, which led to the expansion of correspondent relationships with banks in the United States and Europe, and committed to Iraq and the United States continue cooperative financial reform efforts, which will enable Iraq to encourage foreign investment and continue to expand international banking relations,” explaining that “these reforms will work to combat corruption and prevent illicit use of the Iraqi financial sector, allowing local banks to be engines of comprehensive economic growth.” “.
The two sides decided to “enhance cooperation through an enhanced engagement plan between the main actors in the Government of Iraq and the US Department of the Treasury.”
Iraq and the United States noted “the importance of improving the investment climate in Iraq and combating corruption, which are the basic pillars of the Prime Minister’s reform efforts.”
To support the development of private businesses in Iraq, the statement confirmed that “the United States International Development Finance Corporation will provide a loan worth $50 million, facilitated by the United States Agency for International Development, to the National Bank of Iraq; “In order to provide loans to small and medium enterprises, with a focus on previously unbanked businesses and women-led businesses.”
Iraq renewed its commitment to its ongoing efforts to join the World Trade Organization and protect intellectual property rights. The United States also committed to supporting a series of International Visitor Leadership Program projects for Iraqis to develop expertise in these fields. The two parties acknowledged the importance of strategic and infrastructure projects in Iraq, which will support integration. regional and enhance international trade.”
The United States expressed “its concern about the effects of climate change felt by the Iraqi people, and pledged to continue its support to resolve the water crisis in Iraq and improve public health,” praising “the work of the Supreme Water Committee to improve the management of water resources in Iraq, and the two countries intend to work closely together to address climate change.” Climate and water scarcity in Iraq, and ending gas burning to reduce methane emissions.”
The United States praised “Iraq’s imminent issuance of the National Action Plan,” expressing its support for Iraq to “prepare more ambitious national contributions, under the Paris Agreement, ahead of the twenty-ninth United Nations Climate Change Conference.” She stated that “the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed to working with Iraq at the local government level; To improve water and waste management services, the United States has also committed to the International Visitor Leadership Program and the Water Expert Ambassador Program; To share technical expertise in water management and other needs.”
The Iraqi delegation expressed its interest in “cooperating with American companies.” To exchange experiences in health insurance programs, hospital management, and cancer research.”
The United States government welcomed “the Government of Iraq’s commitment to respect freedom of expression, in accordance with Iraqi law and guaranteed by the Iraqi Constitution.”
The two delegations discussed how the United States can best support the Iraqi government to advance justice for survivors and victims of the genocide, which ISIS committed in 2014 in accordance with the rule of law, and also discussed the importance of stabilizing Sinjar.
The United States renewed its determination “to continue to support Iraq in strengthening its strategy to combat trafficking in persons,” praising “the recent positive developments in support of minorities.”
The two delegations noted “the impressive progress achieved by Iraq in returning more than 8,000 of its citizens from Al-Hawl camp for displaced people in northeastern Syria.”
The United States thanked Iraq for its commitment to accelerating the pace of returning citizens.
With regard to higher education and culture, the two governments affirmed “the United States’ support for the scholarship program, which was restored by the Prime Minister with the aim of increasing the number of Iraqi students studying abroad.”
The Iraqi delegation confirmed “the government’s intention to send 3,000 male and female students to study in the United States, out of the 5,000 male and female students it plans to send to study abroad.”
The two countries welcomed initiatives aimed at expanding English language education and providing guidance to Iraqi students who are interested in studying in the United States, or who intend to travel to it.
The two delegations reviewed the progress made in their joint efforts to preserve Iraq's rich cultural heritage and religious diversity.
They affirmed their determination “to continue to facilitate the return of Iraqi cultural property to its rightful place in Iraq.”
Accordingly, during the Supreme Coordinating Committee meeting, the US State Department coordinated the transfer of an ancient Sumerian artifact returned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to Iraq, where it committed to returning more Iraqi artifacts in the future.
The importance of the steps taken by Iraq in enhancing its security, stability and sovereignty was stressed, and the mutual determination to deepen the strong relations between their peoples was stressed.
The United States welcomed the opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen its partnership with Iraq.[/size]
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