AlHijjah 26, 1434, October 31, 2013, SPA -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the visiting delegation in Washington on Thursday. "During the hour-long meeting, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the United States and Iraq defense and security relationship," Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement. "Secretary Hagel and Prime Minister Maliki discussed the political and security situation in Iraq, reviewed regional cooperation activities, and considered ways to strengthen U.S.-Iraq strategic cooperation given the challenges in the region," the statement said. "Secretary Hagel stressed the important role that Iraq has in maintaining regional stability. Prime Minister Maliki thanked Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey for the sacrifices made by U.S. troops in Iraq from 2003 to 2011," Little said. -- SPA 22:55 LOCAL TIME 19:55 GMT تغريد
