US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Iraq today for an unannounced visit, just two weeks before the 20th anniversary of the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
“I’m here to reaffirm the US-Iraq strategic partnership as we move towards a more secure, stable and sovereign Iraq,” Austin tweeted.
Wheels down in Baghdad. I am here to reaffirm the US-Iraq strategic partnership as we move towards a more secure, stable and sovereign Iraq. pic.twitter.com/hJVJjefuyv
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 7, 2023
His visit is timed to coincide with the celebration of March 20.
It is noted that recently Iraq was visited, in particular, by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Meeting with His Majesty @KingAbdullahII reiterate the unwavering US commitment to Jordan’s security and thank His Majesty for his leadership in the face of the many challenges in the region. https://t.co/M0lSVIkeZQ pic.twitter.com/0KxFzWIlhB
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 6, 2023
Lloyd Austin is moving to Iraq after talks he held in neighboring Jordan with King Abdullah II, a staunch US ally in the region.
According to Al-Monitor
Source: Kathimerini
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