The prime minister’s office said in a statement on Saturday, May 4, that Abdul Mahdi had received a phone call from Pompeo to discuss areas of mutual cooperation.

Abdul Mahdi stressed “the importance of boosting cooperation between the two friendly countries and deepening economic relations,” the statement read.

The Premier also expressed “Iraq’s desire to transfer American technology and expertise into Iraq to create job opportunities and develop its vital sectors,” the statement said.

Abdul Mahdi also reaffirmed the importance of boosting efforts by the two sides to complete negotiations for a “project with the US ExxonMobil company to develop the Iraqi energy sector,” the office said in the statement.

The statement did not give further details about the project, NRT reported.

The results of Abdul Mahdi’s tour to Europe were also discussed during the phone call, according to the statement.

Pompeo reaffirmed US support for Iraq and its foreign policy. He also welcomed Iraq’s role and its position in the region, and said that he wanted to increase economic, political, and cultural cooperation between Iraq and the US.

Iraqi Premier returned on Friday to Baghdad after visits to Germany and France.

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