Iraq and US officials discuss security and economy in Istanbul

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met with Tom Barack, the U.S. Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria, in Istanbul, Turkey, to discuss bilateral relations and regional security challenges.

A primary focus of the discussions was the future of cooperation between Iraq and the United States following the conclusion of the International Coalition's mission in Iraq. This transition follows the announcement by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi that the mission to combat ISIS has ended, marking a shift toward Iraqi forces taking full responsibility for security and moving toward bilateral security cooperation.

The officials also addressed economic developments, specifically the recent adjustments to the Iraqi dinar's exchange rate. The Central Bank of Iraq recently implemented new rates, raising the cash sale price of the dollar to 1,520 dinars from the previous 1,320, a move aimed at managing financial pressures caused by regional conflicts and oil export disruptions. The meeting concluded with both sides emphasizing the importance of continued consultation to enhance stability in the region.