Washington, DC - On October 14, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Doug Silliman and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Near Eastern Affairs Andrew Peek, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan met with Adil Abd al-Mahdi, Prime Minister-designate.

The Deputy Secretary congratulated Prime Minister-Designate Mahdi on his election, and together they committed to continue to build a strong and multi-dimensional relationship. The Deputy Secretary encouraged Prime Minister-designate Mahdi to continue with government formation quickly and in a manner that is responsive to the needs of all Iraqis.

The Deputy Secretary of State reaffirmed U.S. commitment to strengthen our ties with the people of this important country through our trade relationship, through cultural exchange, and through government-to-government relations.