Iraqi-American Talks on Counterterrorism and the al-Hol Camp Issue

Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji held talks on Thursday with a U.S. delegation headed by Joseph Kent, Director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, to discuss the development of bilateral relations and cooperation in counterterrorism, as well as the issue of the al-Hol camp in Syria.

In a statement, Iraq’s National Security Advisory Office said that both sides discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation and exchange expertise and information in the field of counterterrorism, in a manner that serves the common interests of both countries.

Al-Araji affirmed that the Iraqi government is committed to opening up to all countries of the world in ways that serve Iraq’s security and economic interests, noting that the strategic relationship with the United States contributes to enhancing security and stability.

He also expressed his gratitude to the countries that have repatriated their nationals from the al-Hol camp, praising the success of the recent conference held in New York on this issue, and stressing that the goal is to close the camp entirely to ensure lasting security and stability in the region and the world.

For his part, the U.S. delegation commended the Iraqi government’s efforts to repatriate Iraqi families from al-Hol, rehabilitate them, and reintegrate them into society, affirming that the United States will continue to support Iraq in its counterterrorism efforts.