Iraq and US come together to sign Memorandum of Understanding
American and Iraqi officials signed a memorandum of understanding today in Baghdad that will make it easier for the two countries to continue working together.
The memo was one result of the Defense and Security Joint Coordination Committee that met yesterday and today in the Iraqi capital
Officials stated that the committee discussed efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations, improving Iraq’s security and the ongoing efforts to modernize the Iraqi forces.
Iraq is confirmed to be buying F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and M-1 Abrams tanks from the United States, The agreement firms up other programs, which include training, maintenance and other assistance.
Defense officials said that officials also discussed the regional issues and onging conflict in neighboring Syria.
The memorandum of understanding — signed by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Dlimi — covers the range of U.S.-Iraqi defense cooperation and covers the next five years. This includes high-level military-to-military visits, professional military education cooperation, counterterrorism cooperation and the development of defense intelligence capabilities.
The two nations committed to joint exercises including exchanges of information dealing with humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, officials said.