Embassy of the United States Baghdad, Iraq

THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT (SFA) AND U.S.-IRAQI BILATERAL RELATIONS

The Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Iraq (PDF version full text - 647 KB) guides our overall political, economic, cultural, and security ties with Iraq.  This agreement is designed to help the Iraqi people stand on their own and reinforce Iraqi sovereignty, while protecting U.S. interests in the Middle East.  The SFA normalizes the U.S.-Iraqi relationship with strong economic, diplomatic, cultural, and security cooperation and serves as the foundation for a long-term bilateral relationship based on mutual goals.

A Higher Coordinating Committee (HCC) oversees implementation of the SFA though Joint Coordinating Committees covering each of the main domains of bilateral cooperation.  The most recent HCC meeting took place in Baghdad on November 30, 2011.

• Vice President’s remarks at HCC opening
• Vice President’s remarks at HCC conclusion
• Fact sheets about cooperation under the SFA (186 KB)

After a long and difficult conflict, we now have the opportunity to see Iraq emerge as a strategic partner in a tumultuous region.  A sovereign, stable, and self-reliant Iraq that can act as a force for moderation is profoundly in the national security interests of the United States and will ensure that Iraq can realize its full potential as a democratic society.  Our civilian-led presence is helping us strengthen the strong strategic partnership that has developed up to this point.

President Obama and Prime Minister al-Maliki on the Future of the U.S.-Iraq Relationship

THE PRESIDENT: We're here to mark the end of this war; to honor the sacrifices of all those who made this day possible; and to turn the page -- begin a new chapter in the history between our countries -- a normal relationship between sovereign nations, an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect.

The U.S. diplomatic presence in Iraq consists of diplomats, business and development experts, security assistance staff, law enforcement officers, and commercial, financial, and agriculture professionals, among others, from a variety of U.S. Government agencies, seeking to advance our bilateral cooperation for the benefit of Iraq and the United States.  These personnel work out of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Consulates General in Basrah, Erbil and Kirkuk, and other embassy-related sites that help implement our core programs and provide logistical support.

President and Mrs. Obama on the End of the War in Iraq

THE PRESIDENT: Today, I’ve come to speak to you about the end of the war in Iraq.  Over the last few months, the final work of leaving Iraq has been done.  Dozens of bases with American names that housed thousands of American troops have been closed down or turned over to the Iraqis.  Thousands of tons of equipment have been packed up and shipped out.

The United States has also invested more than $209 million in Iraq since 2003 toward the clearance and safe disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and excess conventional weapons and munitions.  The goals of the U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) Program in Iraq are to protect victims of conflict through innovative Risk Education and Victims Assistance projects, to restore access to land and infrastructure by introducing innovative mechanical technologies and Mine Detection Dogs (MDD), and to promote Iraqi development of its humanitarian mine action capabilities.  Fact sheet