Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received a delegation from the U.S. Department of State today, Wednesday, headed by Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf. The meeting discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States and ways to enhance and develop them.

During the meeting, there was an emphasis on joint coordination regarding the situation in Syria and the importance of a transitional phase that includes all parties and preserves the rights of all components to establish stability within Syria.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed that Iraq is playing its role in communicating with brothers and friends to consult on the Syrian situation and the importance of respecting the Syrian people's will in determining their future.

For his part, Mr. Bass stated that Iraq is a key partner in the region, emphasizing the importance of consulting with Iraq on developments and expressing the international coalition's commitment to protecting Iraq's security and sovereignty from any external threat.