ISTANBUL

US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack on Friday conveyed President Donald Trump’s views on current regional developments and Iraq’s “pivotal role” in promoting stability and regional development during talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The meeting addressed bilateral relations between Iraq and the US, broader regional developments and the importance of shielding Iraq from their repercussions, according to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office.

Barrack “relayed Trump’s perspective on the situation in the region and Iraq’s pivotal role in building stability and advancing regional development.”

Sudani said Iraq’s national leadership remains committed to prioritizing national interests and safeguarding the interests of the Iraqi people, as well as the country’s higher strategic interests “for which Iraqis have made the greatest sacrifices.”

Iraq’s sovereignty and stability across various sectors are not merely domestic considerations but “fundamental pillars of regional balance,” he added.

The two sides also exchanged views on resolving regional issues, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomatic channels while avoiding escalation.

They highlighted economic development as a pathway to reducing tensions and fostering sustainable stability in the region.

Prior to his meeting with Sudani, Barrack held talks with the former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who stressed the need for respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and the choices of its people, according to a statement carried by the official Iraqi News Agency.

The statement from al-Maliki’s office said the talks addressed political developments in Iraq and upcoming national entitlements.

Maliki, nominated by a coalition of Shiite parties in Iraq for premiership, underlined “the importance of supporting the democratic path and enhancing political stability,” while emphasizing “the necessity of respecting Iraq’s sovereignty and the choices of its people,” the statement said.

He also affirmed the continuation of communication and coordination between both sides on issues of mutual interest.

The nomination of Al-Maliki, however, was opposed by US President Donald Trump, who threatened to end support to Iraq if Maliki became the prime minister.

Maliki served two terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by major security challenges, including the rise of the ISIS (Daesh) terror group, which seized large swaths of the country before Iraq declared victory over it in 2017.

Under Iraq’s power-sharing system, the presidency is held by a Kurd, the prime minister is a Shiite and the speaker of parliament is a Sunni.

For his part, Barrack pointed to “the important role Iraq plays in efforts to resolve regional problems, reduce tensions, support dialogue and combat terrorism,” according to the statement.