U.S. planning strategic discussions with Iraq this summer

With a new prime minister being installed inside Iraq, U.S. officials are making plans for a round of talks in Baghdad this summer to help stabilize the war-torn country's politics and economy.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the diplomatic dialogue this week, days before the expected announcement of a new Iraqi prime minister.

"With the global COVID-19 pandemic raging and plummeting all revenues, threatening an Iraqi economic collapse, it’s important that our two governments work together to stop any reversal of the gains we’ve made in our efforts to defeat ISIS and stabilize the country," Pompeo said Tuesday.

The secretary said the "strategic dialogue" will be led by Undersecretary for Political Affairs David Hale. 

"All strategic issues between our two countries will be on the agenda, including the future presence of the United States forces in that country, and how best to support an independent and sovereign Iraq," Pompeo said.