Iraq pursues strong relations with U.S.- PM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday said that his government is keen to develop good relations with the United States in all fields, particularly in the health and education sectors. During his meeting with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Michael O. Leavitt, Maliki called to enhance cooperation between the ministries of health in both countries, according to a statement released by Maliki’s office and received by IraqiNews.com. “Scientific progress, particularly in the field of medicine, stopped during the era of the former Iraqi regime,” Maliki added. Earlier today, the U.S. embassy in Iraq said that Leavitt is currently paying an official visit to Iraq, during which he is expected to hold a joint press conference with Iraqi Health Minister Saleh al-Hassanawi at the joint information center in central Baghdad’s heavily-fortified green zone. SS (P) 1