Iraqi Prime Minister arrived in Washington on Sunday night at the head of a government delegation for a visit aimed at strengthening US-Iraqi relations.

Iran PressAmerica: A statement issued by the prime minister's office that the visit will last for several days, during which the two sides will discuss Iraqi-American relations and issues of mutual interest.

The statement quoted Mustafa al-Kazemi saying before leaving Baghdad, "This visit comes within the framework of Iraq's efforts to maintain a solid relationship with the United States of America, based on mutual respect and cooperation in various fields."

"The visit culminates long efforts of intensive work during the strategic dialogue sessions period, to organize the security relations between the two countries in a way that serves Iraq's interest."

The United States and Iraq are expected to formalize the end of Washington's combat mission in Iraq by the end of the year.

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