BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 10 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi President, Barham Salih, called for reducing tension in the Middle East, while highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism.
Salih’s comments came, during his meeting with Kenneth McKenzie, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Salih’s office said in a statement.
“President Salih stressed on the need to reduce tension in the region, in a way that consolidates joint action and enhances regional and international security,” the statement said.
The Iraqi leader also “emphasised the importance of strengthening security and military cooperation, in combating extremism and terrorism,” it added.
For his part, McKenzie confirmed his country’s continued support for the Iraqi forces, to eradicate terrorism, it said, adding, the two sides also reviewed the latest political and security developments on Arab and international levels.
The U.S. military delegation’s visit to Iraq came, a day after the United States designated Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a “foreign terrorist organisation,” a move that will further worsen U.S.-Iran relations and further complicate the Middle East situation.
In retaliation, Iran on Monday designated CENTCOM and all its affiliates as “a terrorist group.”
Over 5,000 U.S. troops are deployed in Iraq, to support the Iraqi forces in the battles against the Daesh militants, mainly by providing training and advising services.
The troops were part of the U.S.-led international coalition, that has also been conducting air raids against Daesh targets in both Iraq and Syria.– NNN-NINA
