United States and the Republic of Iraq Sign Strategic Framework Agreement; Covers Bilateral Cooperation in Health

December 14, 2008 – President George W. Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki shake hands following the signing of the Strategic Framework Agreement and Security Agreement at a joint news conference at the Prime Minister's Palace in Baghdad.  President Bush said, " The agreements represent a shared vision on the way forward in Iraq."  (Photo Credit: White House photo by Eric Draper)

December 14, 2008 - President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki today signed a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA), which will govern cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Iraq in a number of fields, including culture, education, the environment and health.  Section VI of the SFA mentions the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a partner with Iraqi institutions to foster training and the exchange of health professionals.  In October and November 2008, HHS welcomed a group of Iraqi doctors for a month of intensive professional development at U.S. institutions, including several connected to the HHS Health Resources and Services Administration and Indian Health Service.

For more information:

• Fact Sheet: The Strategic Framework Agreement and the Security Agreement with Iraq (White House)
• Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq (White House)

Last revised: December 22, 2008