Subject: Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minster Haidar Al-Abadi of Iraq
From: White House Press Office<[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 21 May 2016 16:34:24 -0500

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2016

*Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minster Haidar Al-Abadi of Iraq*

President Obama spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi of Iraq to reaffirm United States support for the Iraqi people and our common fight against ISIL, as well as to offer condolences on behalf of the American people for the recent terrorist attacks in Baghdad. 

The two leaders discussed the progress being made in the Counter-ISIL campaign as Iraqi Security Forces continue their advance in Anbar province. The President reiterated United States support for the Iraqi Security Forces, emphasizing that as the campaign continues the United States and the International Coalition to counter ISIL will continue to play a key role in training, advising, and assisting Iraqi forces.

The President and the Prime Minister agreed on the critical importance of improving the security of Baghdad and the International Zone, noting the importance of continued dialogue among all parties in Iraq so that the Iraqi people can address their aspirations through their democratic institutions. 

President Obama commended the Prime Minister and the steps his government has taken in finalizing an agreement with the International Monetary Fund and agreed that it is important the international community support Iraq's economic recovery amidst its ongoing fight against ISIL. Finally, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq.

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