The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense led the second U.S.-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue in Washington, D.C., on July 22-23, 2024, reaffirming their commitment to security cooperation and shared interest in regional stability.
The two delegations discussed a range of bilateral security issues under the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement and in recognition of our comprehensive partnership. Minister of Defense Thabit al-Abbasi met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and representatives from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, U.S. Central Command, State Department, and National Security Council staff. The Iraqi delegation included the Chief of Defense, who also met separately with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, the Director of the Counterterrorism Service, the Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command – Iraq, and other senior defense officials. The United States and Iraqi delegations reaffirmed their commitment to developing Iraq's security and defense capabilities and their determination to deepen security cooperation across a full range of issues to advance both countries' shared interest in Iraq's security and sovereignty, and in the stability of the region.
The 2024 Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue builds upon discussions held during Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani's visit to Washington, D.C., in April of this year and last summer's inaugural Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue. During the first Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue, the two sides resolved to establish a bilateral Higher Military Commission (HMC) to analyze three factors – the threat from ISIS, operational requirements, and the capability levels of the Iraqi security forces – to determine the future of the international military Coalition in Iraq. The dialogue continued during the Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue based on the work of the HMC over the past six months and in recognition of the upcoming ten-year anniversary of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS's military mission in Iraq. A detailed joint statement on the future of the missions and presence of the Global Coalition in Iraq is planned to be issued soon after at the conclusion of the work of the HMC.
The United States and Iraq intend to continue to consult regarding strengthening bilateral cooperation to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS following more than a decade of cooperation between the Global Coalition and Iraq. The HMC noted the historic achievements of the Coalition in Iraq and paid tribute to the millions of victims of ISIS. These victims include hundreds of thousands of casualties suffered in the campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq, such as those members of the Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga, and partner forces around the world, including the United States. The two sides confirmed the importance of Iraq continuing to provide support to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Syria and around the world.
In addition, the delegations reached an understanding on the concept for a new phase of the bilateral security relationship, which includes cooperation through liaison officers, training, and traditional security cooperation programs.
The delegations further discussed efforts to build the operational capacity of the Iraqi security forces through U.S. military assistance and security cooperation programs, including through Foreign Military Sales and Foreign Military Financing. Both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to ensure the sustainability of U.S.-origin military equipment used by the Iraqi Security Forces. The delegations affirmed the value of professional military education and technical training programs and decided to strengthen both. They also explored opportunities to expand Iraqi participation in regional military exercises led by U.S. Central Command and to enhance the Iraqi military's relationships with U.S. Central Command's subordinate Service Component Commands. The two sides also decided to begin work on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide an enhanced framework for their bilateral security relationship in the years to come, including mechanisms to ensure the continued enduring defeat of the ISIS terrorist organization.
In support of Iraq's sovereignty and security, the delegations reaffirmed that the advisory mission is present in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support the Iraqi security forces in fighting against ISIS and to support and develop the Iraqi security forces, including the Kurdish Security Forces. The Iraqi representatives reaffirmed its absolute commitment to protect personnel, advisors, convoys, and diplomatic facilities of the United States and international Coalition nations.
The delegations discussed the continued urgent need to repatriate displaced persons and detainees currently in northeast Syria to their countries of origin and to support reintegration efforts in local communities in Iraq. Repatriations represent an important line of effort in the continued fight against ISIS.
The successful completion of this second Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue underscores the two countries' commitment to deepening bilateral security cooperation in all areas, including but not limited to the Iraqi-led enduring defeat of ISIS and security cooperation efforts. The U.S.-Iraq bilateral relationship promotes regional stability and represents the commitment of both nations to strengthen our overall Strategic Framework Agreement.