The Iraqi official pointed to recent ISIL attacks on the Baiji oil refinery as a reason for boosting U.S.-Iraqi military cooperation. “If we can enhance the current cooperation, then we can avoid these sorts of attack,” the official told CNN.
Asked by reporters about Iraqi requests to enhance military cooperation and purchase more military equipment, like helicopters and drones, Obama said that the reason for the meeting today was to discuss such issues.
“I think this is why we are having this meeting to make sure that we are continually improving our coordination to make sure Iraqi security forces are in a position to succeed in our common mission,” President Obama said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Abadi. (CNN, 14 April)
Aside from military cooperation, the prime minister also requested joint efforts on areas like economic development opportunities in Iraq.
Also, the White House announced that the U.S. has offered Iraq $200 million for urgent humanitarian projects.
Photo credit: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abedi (L) and President Barack Obama with reporters at the Oval Office at the White House; 14 April 2015 (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
2 comments:
The Iraqi PM is also asking for deferred payment on military-related purchases.
Wondering if F-16 deliveries were brought up.
why wonder?
no one would sell them F-16s
Post a Comment