The Saban Center for Middle East Policy Hosts His Excellency Lukman Faily for a Dynamic Discussion

Ambassador Faily spoke at Brookings Institution about the importance of renewed efforts to establish a partnership between Iraq and the U.S. At the event, “The United States and Iraq: A Time for Remembrance and Renewal,” the Ambassador reiterated that Iraq is a trusted and reliable ally to the U.S.

On September 18, 2013, Ambassador Lukman Faily delivered remarks at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. The event, “The United States and Iraq: a time for remembrance and renewal” was hosted by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy and moderated by Senior Fellow Kenneth M. Pollack.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Faily spoke to the audience about why renewed efforts to establish a strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States are more important than ever before.

“Iraq seeks to strengthen its relationship with the United States in order to help stay on track towards establishing a strong, democratic and prosperous country that is a source of stability in the region. Bearing this in mind, I have been dispatched by my government with the primary mission of nurturing an enduring partnership with the United States. Our message to our American friends is simple but urgent: In a region that is filled with so much uncertainty, Iraq can be a trusted and reliable ally,” said Ambassador Faily.

Ambassador Faily recognized that there is work that needs to be done on both sides for the vision of a strong and enduring partnership to become a reality. However, he acknowledged that this work will not need to be started from scratch, as Iraq and the U.S. have endured much together over the past decade. “Both of our great nations have made great sacrifices for the sake of establishing a free and democratic Iraq. On that note, I would like to extend my country’s appreciation to all the American servicemen and women who served in Iraq, some of whom paid the ultimate price, for the sake of a free and democratic Iraq.”

At the conclusion of the event, Ambassador Faily participated in a live Q&A session with the audience, facilitated by Mr. Kenneth Pollack. In the discussion, the Ambassador stressed that through partnership, the U.S. can help Iraq realize its full potential as a strong and prosperous nation that can help alleviate some of the region’s misfortunes.

To read his remarks in their entirety, click here.

To listen to the audio from the event at the Brookings Institute, click here.