Hagel Stresses Iraq’s Role in Maintaining Regional Stability

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2013 – During a meeting in Washington today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel stressed Iraq’s important role in maintaining regional stability, and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki thanked Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for the sacrifices made by U.S. troops in Iraq from 2003 to 2011, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement issued today.

Little’s statement reads as follows:

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his visiting delegation from Iraq earlier today in Washington, D.C. During the hour-long meeting, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the United States and Iraq defense and security relationship.

Secretary Hagel and Prime Minister Maliki discussed the political and security situation in Iraq, reviewed regional cooperation activities, and considered ways to strengthen U.S.-Iraq strategic cooperation given the challenges in the region. Secretary Hagel stressed the important role that Iraq has in maintaining regional stability. Prime Minister Maliki thanked Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey for the sacrifices made by U.S. troops in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.