Biden to host Iraqi premier at White House on July 26

WASHINGTON

US President Joe Biden will host Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi at the White House on July 26, the White House said Friday.

Al-Kadhimi's "visit will highlight the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq and advance bilateral cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

Psaki was referring to the 2008 agreement which aims to help Iraq reinforce its sovereignty while protecting US interests in the Middle East.

"The visit will also focus on key areas of shared interest including through education, health, cultural, energy, and climate initiatives," said Psaki.

"President Biden also looks forward to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Iraq on political, economic, and security issues to include joint efforts to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS," she added.