Readout of Secretary Panetta’s Meeting with Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense Dr. Saadon Guwir Farhan Al Dlimi
May 22, 2012

Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs George Little provided the following readout:

“Secretary Panetta met this morning with Acting Iraqi Minister of Defense, Dr. Saadon Guwir Farhan Al Dlimi at the Pentagon.

“Secretary Panetta thanked Dr. Dlimi for his leadership and the two leaders noted the sacrifices of both nations to help the Iraqi people secure a brighter future. Secretary Panetta directed his advisory team, led by Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy James Miller, to work closely with the Iraqis during this week’s inaugural meeting of the Defense and Security Joint Coordinating Committee. These discussions mark a new phase in the military to military relationship between the United States and Iraq and serve as an opportunity to further the vital strategic interests of both nations.”