U.S. and Iraq reaffirm partnership in Joint Coordination Committee meeting on Services, Technology, Environment and Transportation (STET)
Ambassador Faily and visiting Iraqi delegation participated the JCC meeting, the first for the STET sector under the Strategic Framework Agreement. The meeting emphasized the importance of continued cooperation on all modes of transportation and explored opportunities for US companies to invest in Iraq’s infrastructure.
Ambassador Faily and visiting Iraqi delegation joined officials from the United States government on September 25, 2013 in Washington, DC for a meeting of the Services, Technology, Environment and Transportation (STET) Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), which falls under the Strategic Framework Agreement that both countries signed in 2008.
The meeting was co-chaired by Iraqi Deputy Minister of Transportation Bangen Rekani and U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Susan Kurland. Also in attendance were representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation, representatives from U.S. Departments of State, Transportation, Commerce, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In a meeting that marked the first JCC for the Services, Technology, Environment and Transportation sector, the delegations discussed the progress that Iraq has made in the transportation sector since 2003. Further, both sides emphasized the importance of continued close cooperation on all modes of transportation and identified ways to expand that cooperation, advancing Iraq’s efforts to strengthen safety, security and economic freedom at Iraq’s ports.
As noted by the State Department, “The U.S. pledged to support Iraq as it develops capabilities to conduct adequate communication and navigation surveillance; augment security at seaports and airports; further develop and modernize its aviation infrastructure; and improve its ability to conduct investigations of significant accidents in all modes of transportation-aviation, railroad, highway, and marine.”
The delegations also discussed opportunities for U.S. companies to invest in Iraq’s transportation infrastructure.
The next STET JCC meeting will take place in Baghdad.
To read the joint statement issued by the US State Department, click here.
