Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed strengthening a strategic partnership between Baghdad and Washington and expanding economic cooperation during their meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, the premier’s office said Tuesday.
Al-Zaidi said his government is working to consolidate Iraqi-US relations and raise the level of their strategic partnership through constructive economic cooperation that broadens areas of joint work and strengthens mutual interests.
He also reiterated his government’s determination to complete “sovereign obligations” and continue measures aimed at confining weapons to state control in accordance with constitutional and legal principles.
On June 3, Iraqi army spokesman Sabah al-Numan announced the formation of a committee to place weapons under exclusive state control, saying that the committee has begun its work.
Rubio, for his part, expressed US support for Iraq’s government and people in consolidating and sustaining internal stability, according to the statement.
He also voiced support for Iraqis’ efforts to develop their economy and expand engagement with the international community.
Rubio further backed government measures aimed at strengthening state institutions and reinforcing the foundations of stability and economic development.
The general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held from Sept. 22 to 28 at UN headquarters in New York under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”