Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma traveled to Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan, January 8-12.
In Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Baghdad, Erbil, and Amman, Deputy Secretary Verma met with staff at the respective U.S. embassies and consulate general to thank them for their work, discuss management matters, and hear their perspectives on bilateral and regional issues.
In Baghdad, Deputy Secretary Verma met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and discussed our commitment to a secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq. He emphasized the importance of close Iraqi-U.S. cooperation in addressing shared security threats.
In Islamabad, Deputy Secretary Verma discussed a wide range of shared interests and areas of mutual cooperation to advance the bilateral relationship. He met with senior Pakistani officials, international organizations, and like-minded partners to underscore the United States' unwavering commitment to assist Afghans who previously worked with, or on behalf of, the U.S. government. The Deputy Secretary discussed our mutual interest in protecting vulnerable populations and facilitating resettlement for those eligible Afghans. Deputy Secretary Verma also engaged business leaders to discuss the ways in which the United States can encourage economic reforms to support a stable and prosperous Pakistan through improved trade and investment ties.
