Readout of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s Meetings with Prime Minister Abadi, Minister of Defense Ubaidi and Iraqi Sunni Leaders
July 23, 2015

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visited Baghdad, Iraq today to assess progress in the counter-ISIL campaign. He met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Minister of Defense Khaled al-Ubaidi and affirmed the U.S. commitment to support the government of Iraq in the campaign to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL. He emphasized the importance of building an inclusive government and strengthening the Iraqi Security Forces. ‎

Secretary Carter also met with Sunni political and tribal leaders to discuss their role in the fight against ISIL. He ended his visit by meeting U.S. and coalition troops. He thanked them for their commitment and their service.