Iraqi president meets U.S. commander on reconstruction of terror-hit countries

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Sunday that the final elimination of terrorism requires commitment by the international community to supporting the reconstruction of the terror-hit countries.

The Iraqi president made the remarks during a meeting with Head of the U.S. Central Command Joseph Votel and his accompanying delegation, Alsumaria news TV channel quoted the Iraqi presidency as saying in a statement.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the importance of protecting Iraqi sovereignty and eliminating the threat of terrorism.

Salih called for developing security and military cooperation between the two friendly countries and increasing U.S. contribution to developing capabilities of the Iraqi security forces.

“The final elimination of terrorism requires commitment by the international community to supporting the reconstruction of the affected countries,” the president said, praising the great role played by the U.S.-led international coalition to uproot Islamic State gangs.

For his part, Votel reiterated his country’s support for Iraq and its commitment to improving capabilities of Iraqi security forces in the fields of training and armament.